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003 



SUPREME CONSTITUTION 



AND 



SUPREME STATUTES 



OF THE 



Order of Knights of Pythias, 

AS ADOPTED BY THE 

SUPREME LODGE, 

At the Convention of 1894, 

REVISED SO AS TO INCLUDE THE LEGISLATION OF THE CON- 
VENTIONS OF 1896, 1898, I90O, I90I AND I902. 



Published by Order of the Supreme Lodge, 



i9°3 ' 

BRANDON PRINTING COMPANY, 
NASHVILLE, TENN. 



SUPREME CONSTITUTION 



AND 



SUPREME STATUTES 



OF THE 



Order of Knights of Pythias, 

AS ADOPTED BY THE 

SUPREME LODGE, 

At the Convention of 1894, 

Revised so as to include the Legislation of the Con- 
ventions OF 1896, 1898, I9CO, I90I AND I902. 



Published by Order of the Supreme Lodge. 



1 , ■ ► -•. 



1903: 

BRANDON PRINTING COMPANY, 
NASHVII.LE, TENN. 



1^3 



THE LIBRARY OF 
CONGRESS, 


Two Copies 


Received 


MAR 


1903 


^Copy nght Entry 
CLASS CL XXc, No. 


COPY 


B - — 



Entered According to Act of Congress, in the year 1903, by R. L. C.White, S. K. R. S. 

(for the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias), in the office of 

the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



.* -• •• 



PREFATORY. 



At the convention of the Supreme Lodge held at San Francisco in 
August, 1902, the following resolution was offered by Supreme Representa- 
tive Richardson (O. R., 9439) : 

Document 59. 

Be it resolved by the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, 1st. That a 
committee of three be appointed by the Supreme Chancellor, of which the 
Supreme Keeper of Records and. Seal shall be chairman, to prepare a re- 
vised edition of the Supreme constitution and statutes, embracing the legis- 
lation of this convention. 

2d. That said committee be authorized to make such verbal changes in 
the statutes as will render the same consistent and harmonious, not in any 
manner changing the same in meaning or substance, and to make such 
marginal and other references to the decisions of the Supreme Tribunal and 
other adjudications as may be proper. 

3d. That said committee be authorized to serve during the recess of the 
Supreme" Lodge, but without compensation. 

4th. That upon the completion of the revised constitution and statutes 
and the approval of the same by the Supreme Chancellor, the Supreme 

Keeper of Records and Seal be directed to have copies printed and 

placed on sale. 

The foregoing resolution was referred to the committee on ways and 
means, which subsequently submitted the appended report (O. R., 9590) : 

Document 208. 

Your committee to whom was referred document 59 recommend its 
adoption by the Supreme convention, and that said committee shall consist 
of the Supreme Chancellor, Supreme Vice Chancellor and Supreme Keeper 
of Records and Seal. 

The foregoing report was adopted by the Supreme Lodge. 

It will be observed that, by the terms of the resolution adopted, the duty 
of the committee in preparing the revision was limited to "such verbal 
changes in the statutes as will render the same consistent and harmonious," 
and that it was explicitly inhibited from "changing the same in meaning 
or substance." Confined within the limits indicated, the work of the com- 

(3) 



4 PREFATORY. 

mittee has consisted merely of a rearrangement of the statutes, eliminating 
such as have been repealed and including in their proper places all amend- 
ments enacted since the adoption of the original code in 1894. It is be- 
lieved that the plan of arrangement here adopted will be found logical, sym- 
metrical and easily understood. For convenience of reference, the original 
numbers of the sections of the statutes have been retained in parentheses 
immediately following the large figures which indicate the present section 
numbers. 

The figures included in parentheses at the end of sections of the consti- 
tution and statutes indicate the year of the convention of the Supreme 
Lodge at which the amended section was adopted. Where no such figures 
appear, the section has not been amended since the adoption of the original 
code. 

Where a section of the constitution or statutes has been construed by the 
Supreme Tribunal, that fact is indicated by appending in small type, im- 
mediately after such section, the style of the case, together with the number 
of the volume and page of the decisions where such construction may be 

found. 

R. L. C. White, Ch'm'n, 
Tracy R. Bangs, 
Chas. E. Shiveley, 

Committee. 
January 20, 1903. 



The revision of the Supreme constitution and statutes referred to above, 
and embraced in the following pages, is hereby approved, to be in full force 
and effect on and after February 19, 1903, P. P. XL. 

Tracy R. Bangs, 

Supreme Chancellor. 



CONTENTS. 



THE SUPREME CONSTITUTION. 

Article I — The Supreme law. 
Article II — Composition of the order. 
Article III — Structure of the order. 
Article IV — The ranks of the order. 
Article V — The honors of the order. 
Article VI — The Supreme government. 
Article VII — The legislative department. 
Article VIII — The executive department. 
Article IX — The judicial department. 
Article X — Grand lodges. 
Article XI — Subordinate lodges. 
Article XII — The insurance branch. 
Article XIII — The military branch. 
Article XIV— Rituals. 
Article XV — General provisions. 
Article XVI — Amendments. 
Article XVII— Force and effect. 

THE SUPREME STATUTES. 

Enacting clause. 

DIVISION I. 

THE SUPREME GOVERNMENT. 

Part I — The Legislative Department. 

Chapter I — Special conventions of the Supreme Lodge. 
Chapter II — The Great Seal. 
Chapter III — Supreme Lodge officers in general. 
Chapter IV — The Supreme Vice Chancellor. 
Chapter V — The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 
Chapter VI — The Supreme Master of Exchequer. 
Chapter VII — Supreme Representatives. 
Chapter VIII — Committees. 
Chapter IX — Good standing. 
Chapter X — Mileage and per diem. 
Chapter XI — Revenue. 
Chapter XII — Funds. 
Chapter XIII — Printing and supplies. 

(5) 



CONTENTS. 

Part II — The Executive Department. 

Chapter I — Official succession. 

Chapter II — Seal. 

Chapter III — Dispensations. 

Chapter IV — Deputy Supreme Chancellors. 

Part III — The Judicial Department. 

Chapter I — Composition. 

Chapter II — Supreme Tribunes. 

Chapter III — Sittings. 

Chapter IV — Judgments and decrees. 

Chapter V — Original and exclusive jurisdiction. 

Chapter VI — Appellate jurisdiction. 



DIVISION II. 

GRAND LODGES. 

Part I — Organization. 
Chapter I — Institution. 

Part II — Powers and Duties. 

Chapter I — Warrants and charters. 

Chapter II — Constitution and laws. 

Chapter III — Seals. 

Chapter IV — Deputy Grand Chancellors. 

Chapter V — Annual reports. 

Chapter VI — Certificates and credentials. 

Chapter VII — Funds. 

Chapter VIII — Good standing. 

DIVISION III. 

SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Part I — In general. 

Chapter I — Institution. 

Chapter II — Seal. 

Chapter III — Officers. 

Chapter IV — The ranks of knighthood. 

Chapter V — Good standing. 

Chapter VI — Cards. 

Chapter VII — Dues, assessments and fines. 

Chapter VIII — Suspension and reinstatement. 

Chapter IX — Funeral benefits. 



CONTENTS. 7 

Part II — Within the Domain of a Grand Lodge. 

Chapter I — Warrants and charters. 
Chapter II — Membership fees. 
Chapter III — Grand Lodge cards. 
Chapter IV — Reinstatement. 
Chapter V — Funds. 

Part III — Under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge. 

Chapter I — Warrants. 

Chapter II — Membership fees. 

Chapter III — Supreme Lodge cards. 

Chapter IV — Funds. 

Chapter V — Miscellaneous provisions. 

DIVISION IV. 

THE BRANCHES OF THE ORDER. 

Part I — The Insurance Branch. 

Chapter I — Board of Control. 

Chapter II — Formation of sections and forms of application. 

Chapter III — Membership, fees and form of certificate. 

Chapter IV — Endowment funds, monthly payments, classification of 
risks, etc. 

Chapter V — Resignations, suspension from lodge, appeals, etc. 

Chapter VI — Beneficiaries, conditions of payment, contract, etc. 

Chapter VII — Increase and decrease of endowment, change of bene- 
ficiaries, etc. 

Chapter VIII — Clearance cards. 

Chapter IX — Names, meetings, quorum, supplies, etc. 

Chapter X — Duties of section and officers. 

Chapter XI — Proof of death. 

Chapter XII — Suspension from lodge. 

Chapter XIII — Section by-laws. 

Chapter XIV — Laws, etc., governing old classes. 

Chapter XV — Amendments. 

Part II — The Military Branch. 

Chapter I — Organization. 

Chapter II — Officers. 

Chapter III — Supreme Assembly. 

Chapter IV — The Major General. 

Chapter V — Companies not within the domain of a brigade. 



CONTENTS. 
DIVISION V. 

SECRET WORK. 

Part I — Rituals. 



Chapter I — Printing and publication. 
Chapter II — Custody and issue. 



Part II — Semi-annual Password. 

Chapter I — Promulgation, issue and use. 
Chapter II — Officers qualified to receive. 



DIVISION VI. 

PYTHIAN OFFENCES. 

Part I — By Supreme Chancellor or Supreme Tribune. 
Chapter I — Impeachment, trial and punishment. 

Part II — By members of Supreme Lodge. 
Chapter I — Definition, trial and penalties. 

Part III — By Grand Lodges and Officers. 
Chapter I — Definition, trial and penalties. 

Part IV — By Members of the Order. 

Chapter I — Definition and penalties. 
Chapter II — Use of name, emblems, etc. 

DIVISION VII. 

SUNDRY PROVISIONS. 

Part I — Pythian Calendar. 

Chapter I — Pythian Period. 
Chapter II — Memorial Day. 
Chapter III — Fiscal year. 

Part II — Miscellaneous. 
Chapter I — Jewels. 

Chapter II — Diplomas and credentials of rank and honor. 
Chapter III — The banner of the order. 
Chapter IV — Appeals for aid. 
Chapter V — Forms and ceremonies continued in force. 



SUPREME CONSTITUTION. 



Enacted September i, 1894, 

P. P. XXXI. 



The Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, the source of all authority in 
the order of Knights of Pythias, doth ordain and establish this Supreme 
constitution. 

ARTICLE I. 

THE SUPREME LAW. 

Section i. The rituals of the order, the Supreme constitution and the 
laws enacted by the Supreme Lodge in accordance therewith shall be the 
Supreme law of the order of Knights of Pythias. 

Seism vs. White, 4 Clark, 44. 

Sample vs. Wellenvoss, 5 Clark, 53. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 

Kennedy vs. Gushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

ARTICLE II. 

THE COMPOSITION OF THE ORDER. 

Section 1. The order of Knights of Pythias is and shall be a secret 
fraternal organization, composed of persons upon whom any rank of the 
order shall have been legally conferred. 

ARTICLE III. 

THE STRUCTURE OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. The order shall be constituted as follows: 
Par. a (1). A Supreme Government. 

Par. b (2). Such grand lodges as possess charters or warrants legally 
granted, which have not been suspended or revoked. 

Par. c (3). Such subordinate lodges as possess charters or warrants 
legally granted, which have not been suspended or revoked. 

Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Section 2. The branches of the order shall be the following, and no 
others, viz. : 

(9) 



'10 SUPREME 

Par. a ( i ) . The insurance branch, to be known as the Endowment Rank. 
Par. b (2). The military branch, to be known as the Uniform Rank. 
Section 3. No change shall be made in the structure of the order, as 
above established, except by amendment of this constitution. 



ARTICLE IV. 

THE RANKS OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. The ranks of the order shall be the following, and no others : 

Par. a (1). The ranks of knighthood, known as Page, Esquire and 
Knight, as established in the ritual of the order for subordinate lodges. 

Par. b (2). The Endowment Rank, which shall be attained only in ac- 
cordance with the laws enacted for its government. 

Par. c (3). The Uniform Rank, which shall be attained only in accord- 
ance with the laws enacted for its government. 

Par. d (4). The Grand Lodge Rank, which shall be attained only by a 
past chancellor in good standing, and in such manner as the Supreme 
Lodge may by law provide. 

Par. e (5). The Supreme Lodge Rank, which shall be attained only by 
a past grand chancellor in good standing, and in such manner as the 
Supreme Lodge may by law provide. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 



ARTICLE V. 

THE HONORS OF THE ORDER. 

Section i. The honors of the order shall be the following, and no 
others : 

Par. a (1). Past Supreme Chancellor, which shall be attained, upon the 
installation of his successor, by every Supreme Chancellor who shall have 
served to the end of his official term. 

Par. b (2). Past Supreme Representative, which shall be attained by 
every past grand chancellor who shall have served as Supreme Representa- 
tive during at least one convention of the Supreme Lodge. 

Par. c (3). Past grand chancellor, which shall be attained, upon the 
installation of his successor, by every grand chancellor who shall have 
served to the end of his official term; and, at the institution of a new 
grand lodge, by the two members thereof who shall have been elected 
Supreme Representatives. Calogne vs. G. L. Louisiana, 1 Clark, 33. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 4 Clark, 60. 
Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 

Par. d (4). Past grand representative, which shall be attained by every 
past chancellor who shall have served as grand representative during at 
least one convention of a grand lodge. 



CONSTITUTION. 11 

Par. e (5). Past chancellor, which shall be attained, upon the installa- 
tion of his successor, by every chancellor commander who shall have served 
to the end of his official term; and, at the institution of a new subordinate 
lodge, by the four members thereof who shall have been chosen by the 
lodge to receive that honor. Calogne vs> G L Louisiana, 1 Clark, 33. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 4 Clark, 60. 



ARTICLE VI. 

THE SUPREME GOVERNMENT. ' . 

Section i. The Supreme Government shall consist of three independ- 
ent, coordinate departments, viz. : a legislative department, an executive 
department and a judicial department.. 

Rosenblath vs. Board of Control, 5 Clark, 40. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 

Fethers vs. Boufrleur, 8 S. T., 54. 



ARTICLE VII. 
THE legislative department. 

Section i. The legislative powers of the Supreme Government shall be 
vested in a Supreme Lodge, which shall be composed of : 

Par. a (1). All Past Supreme Chancellors in good standing in their 
respective grand and subordinate lodges. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 

Par. b (2). Its officers, as designated in this constitution. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 

Par. c (3). The Supreme Representatives legally elected or appointed. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 

Section 2. The officers of the Supreme Lodge shall be : 

The Supreme Chancellor, 

The Supreme Vice Chancellor, 

The Supreme Prelate, 

The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, 

The Supreme Master of Exchequer, 

The Supreme Master at Arms, 

The Supreme Inner Guard, 

The Supreme Outer Guard, 

The President of the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank, 

The Major General of the Uniform Rank, 
who shall be elected biennially, as provided by law, and shall hold office 
for the term of two years, or until their successors shall have oeen duly 
elected and installed. The Supreme Chancellor and the Supreme Vice 
Chancellor shall be elected from the members of the Supreme Lodge, but to 
all other offices any past grand chancellor who has received the Supreme 



12 SUPREME 

Lodge Rank, and who is in good standing in his grand and subordinate 
lodges, shall be eligible; provided that, at the time of his election and dur- 
ing the term of his service, the President of the Board of Control shall be 
also a member in good standing of a section of the Endowment Rank; pro- 
vided, also, that, at the time of his election and during the term of his 
service, the Major General of the Uniform Rank shall be also a member in 
good standing of a company of the Uniform Rank. 

Section 3. Supreme Representatives shall be elected by the grand 
lodges in the same manner as grand lodge officers are elected; provided 
that if, under this constitution, a vacancy occur or a grand Ipdge become 
entitled to increased representation, and no regukr convention of such 
grand lodge is to be held prior to the next regular convention of the 
Supreme Lodge, then such vacancy may be filled or such increased repre- 
sentation may be provided for by appointment, in such manner as the 
grand lodge may by law provide; otherwise, such vacancy shall be filled 
or increased representation provided for by election, by the grand lodge, 
in the same manner as grand lodge officers are elected. 

Section 4. The representation of each grand lodge shall be as follows : 
Two Supreme Representatives at large, and one additional Supreme Rep- 
resentative for each ten thousand members of the subordinate lodges 
within the domain of such grand lodge on the thirty-first day of Decem- 
ber immediately preceding the election or appointment of such Supreme 
Representative; provided that no grand lodge shall be entitled to more 
than five Supreme Representatives. 

Section 5. The term of a Supreme Representative shall be four calen- 
dar years from the first day of January in the even-numbered year follow- 
ing his election; provided that the term of any Supreme Representative, 
other than a Supreme Representative at large, who may be elected or 
appointed in an even-numbered year, shall expire on the thirty-first day of 
December of the next succeeding odd-numbered year; provided also that 
the Supreme Lodge may by statute so regulate such terms of service that 
the terms of one-half, as near as may be, of the Supreme Representatives 
from any grand lodge shall expire on the thirty-first day of December of 
each odd-numbered year. 

Section 6. A Supreme Representative, at the time of his election or 
appointment, must be a past grand chancellor in good standing in his 
grand lodge and in a subordinate lodge within its domain, not the 
holder at any time during his term of any office in his grand lodge, and 
during all of such term an actual and bona fide resident of the domain 
of such grand lodge; and should a Supreme Representative fail to 
be in good standing in or cease to be a member of his grand lodge and 
of a subordinate lodge within its domain, or should he accept and hold 
any office in his grand lodge, or should he cease to be an actual and bona 
fide resident of the domain of his grand lodge, then, or in either of such 
cases, his rights as a Supreme Representative shall cease and determine, 
and a vacancy shall be held to exist in such position. (1898.) 



CONSTITUTION. 13 

Section 7. All past grand chancellors in good standing in their respect- 
ive grand and subordinate lodges, who shall have received the Supreme 
Lodge rank, shall be admitted to the conventions of the Supreme Lodge, 
and shall be eligible to appointment as members of special committees 
thereof. 

Section 8. The regular conventions of the Supreme Lodge shall be held 
biennially, at such time and place as may have been designated at the pre- 
ceding regular convention ; provided that, if the time and place were not so 
designated, a convention shall be held in the city of Washington, in the 
District of Columbia, on the fourth Tuesday of April in the succeeding 
even-numbered year; and provided also that, should any public calamity 
or imperative exigency so require, the Supreme Chancellor, by and with the 
consent of a majority of the officers of the Supreme Lodge, may designate 
a different time or place at which such convention shall be held. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 4 Clark, 60. 

Section 9. A quorum of the Supreme Lodge for the transaction of busi- 
ness shall be not less than one Supreme Representative from each of a 
majority of the grand lodges ; provided that Supreme Representatives 
from one-third of the grand lodges may receive and act upon certificates 
and credentials, and a less number may meet and take a recess from day to 
day. 

Section 10. The following powers are reserved to the Supreme Lodge : 

Par. a (1). To pass upon and determine all questions relative to the 
qualifications and election of its members. 

Par. b (2). To enact laws for its own government and protection, and 
to prescribe rules of procedure for the conduct of its business. 

Par. c (3). To prescribe the powers and duties of its committees. 

Par. d (4) . To prescribe the powers and duties of its officers, except as 
they may be fixed by its ritual and the Supreme constitution. . 

Par. e (5). To provide by law a revenue for the Supreme government. 

Par. f (6). To make appropriations of money for the maintenance of 
the Supreme Government. 

Par. g (7). To provide the installation and other non-ritualistic ceremo- 
nies of the order, and to regulate by law their preparation, promulgation 
and use. 

Par. h (8). To define offences against the order and against the Su- 
preme law, and to prescribe penalties therefor. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Par i (9). To provide by law for the compilation, publication and en- 
forcement of the decrees of the Supreme Tribunal. 

Par. j (10). To grant charters to grand lodges, and to provide by law 
for their issue, revocation, suspension, restoration and reissue. 

Par. k (11). To provide by law for the institution of grand lodges and 
of subordinate lodges. 



14 SUPREME 

Par. I (12). To enact such laws as shall secure the conformity to the 
Supreme law of the constitutions and laws of all grand and subordinate 
lodges. 

Par. m (13). To require from grand lodges, and subordinate lodges 
under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, such reports as may be 
prescribed by law. 

Par. n (14). To require from any officer of a grand lodge such reports, 
credentials or certificates as may be prescribed by law. 

Par. (15). To establish subordinate lodges in territory not within the 
domain of a grand lodge, and to enact laws for their government. 

Par. p (16). To fix by law uniform conditions upon which the ranks of 
the order may be attained. Pociey vs> Lo ne Star Lodge, No. 39, 4 Clark, 17. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 

Par. q (17). To prescribe by law the rights, benefits, privileges and 
duties pertaining to all ranks and honors of the order, so far as the same 
are not determined by the rituals of the order. Russe ii vs. Bon, 2 Clark, 25. 

Par. r (18). To prescribe by law the paraphernalia, emblems, jewels 
and insignia of the order, and in like manner to control and regulate their 
use. 

Par. s (19). Tp control and regulate by law the use of the name of the 
order, or any name or term derived therefrom or germane thereto. 

Par. t (20). To provide and furnish all certificates of membership, rank 
or honor, and receipts for dues, and to regulate their use, and to prescribe 
and furnish such other supplies as may be designated by law. 

Par. u (21). To regulate by law the promulgation, communication and 
use of the passwords of the order. Read vs. Peoples, 2 Clark, 28. 

Par. v (22). To prescribe by law what shall constitute good standing 

in the order. Russell vs. Bon, 2 Clark, 25. 

Read vs. Peoples, 2 Clark, 28. 
Rosenblath vs. Board of Control, 5 Clark, 40. 

Par. w (23). To define by law the status of members of the order un- 
der suspension for any cause, the control which may be exercised over such 
members, and the methods by which they may regain membership. 

Par. x (24). To provide by law for the severance or transfer of lodge 
membership. Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Gauntlet Lodge, No. 4, 3 Clark, 33. 

Par. y (25). To enact laws for the promotion of the general welfare 
of the order. 

Par. z (26). To enact laws which shall be necessary to carry into execu- 
tion all powers vested in the Supreme Government by the Supreme consti- 
tution or any amendment thereof. 

Section ii. The Supreme Lodge may by law provide for the impeach- 
ment and removal from office of the Supreme Chancellor or a Supreme 
Tribune, and for the trial and removal from office of any officer of the 



CONSTITUTION. 15 

Supreme Lodge other than the Supreme Chancellor; it may define the 
offences for which such proceedings or either of them will lie; but judg- 
ment in such cases shall not extend beyond removal from office and dis- 
qualification to hold office in the order thereafter. In all cases, removal 
from office or removal from and disqualification to hold office shall require 
the affirmative vote, by yeas and nays, of two-thirds of all the members of 
the tribunal which shall have been established for the trial thereof; pro- 
vided that conviction shall not preclude or prevent the trial of the party 
for the same offence in any other tribunal of the order having jurisdiction. 
Section 12. All laws enacted by the Supreme Lodge shall be of general 
application, and shall be formulated as statutes and shall be styled "Su- 
preme statutes," and, when introduced and while under consideration, shall 
be styled "propositions." Scism vs< White> 4 Clark ^ 

Section 13. A proposition shall embrace not more than one subject, 
which shall be clearly expressed in its title. 

Section 14. A proposition which provides for the repeal or amendment 
of a statute shall recite in its title the number of the division, part and 
chapter, the title of the chapter and the number of the statute to be re- 
pealed or amended. 

Section 15. No proposition shall become a statute until it shall have 
passed three successive readings, the second and third of which shall not 
be had on the same calendar day. Scism vs White5 4 Clarki ^ 

Section 16. The affirmative vote, by yeas and nays, of a majority of all 
the members of the Supreme Lodge shall be required for the final passage 
of a proposition. Scism vs> white? 4 Clark? 44< 

Section 17. When a proposition shall have failed to pass, no proposi- 
tion embracing the same subject shall be considered at the same convention 
of the Supreme Lodge. 

Section 18. The enacting clause of every proposition shall precede 
or be a part of the first section of such proposition, and shall be as 
follows : "Be it enacted by the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias!' 

Seism vs. White, 4 Clark, 44. 
Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 4 Clark, 60. 

Section 19. All statutes shall take effect sixty days after final passage, 
unless therein otherwise provided. 

Section 20. The resolving clause of every resolution shall precede or 
be a part of the first section of such resolution, and shall be as follows; 
"Be it resolved by the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias." 

Section 21. No moneys shall be drawn from the exchequer of the 
Supreme Lodge except as provided by law. Scism vs< W hite, 4 Clark, 44. 

Section 22. A statement of all receipts and expenditures of the Su- 
preme Government shall be reported by the proper officers to the Supreme 
Lodge and shall be included in the official record of each regular con- 
vention thereof. 



1 6 SUPREME 

Section 23. A journal of the proceedings of the Supreme Lodge shall 
be kept, and shall be published daily during each regular convention 
thereof. Such daily journal shall be prima facie evidence of all acts of the 
Supreme Lodge therein recorded until the publication of the Official 
Record of the Supreme Lodge. Such daily journal and Official Record 
shall be published in such manner as the Supreme Lodge may by law 
provide. 



ARTICLE VIII. 

THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 






Section i. The executive powers of the Supreme Government shall be 
vested in the Supreme Chancellor of the Order of Knights of Pythias, who 
shall be elected and shall hold his office as provided in this constitution. 

Section 2. The Supreme Chancellor, at the time of his election, shall 
be a member of the Supreme Lodge, and shall have attained the rank of 
knight at least ten years prior to such election. 

Section 3. The Supreme Chancellor shall be Commander in Chief of 
the Uniform Rank. 

Section 4. In case of the removal from office of the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, or of his death, resignation or inability to discharge the duties of 
said office, said duties shall devolve on the Supreme Vice Chancellor. 

Section 5. In case of the death, resignation, removal from office or 
inability of both the Supreme Chancellor and the Supreme Vice Chancellor, 
the vacancies shall be filled as the Supreme Lodge may by law provide. 

Section 6. The Supreme Chancellor shall enforce the Supreme law and 
the decrees of the Supreme Tribunal. 

Section 7. The Supreme Chancellor may require information in writ- 
ing from any member of the order as to any matter within the knowledge 
of such member, pertaining to the welfare of the order or the observance 
of the Supreme law. 

Section 8. Except when otherwise provided by law, the Supreme Chan- 
cellor shall fill by appointment any vacancy in an office of the Supreme 
Lodge which may occur during its recess. 

Section 9. The Supreme Chancellor may, as provided by law, appoint 
and commission Deputy Supreme Chancellors for such duties as he may 
delegate to them. 

Section 10. The Supreme Chancellor, at each regular convention of 
the Supreme Lodge, shall submit to it a report of all his official acts during 
its recess. His report shall contain information in regard to the state of 
the order, and such recommendations as he may deem necessary or 
expedient. 

Section ii. The Supreme Chancellor may call special conventions of 
the Supreme Lodge in the manner provided by law. 



CONSTITUTION. 17 

Section 12. The Supreme Chancellor, during the recess of the Supreme 
Lodge, shall have authority to grant, in the manner provided by law, 
warrants for the institution of grand lodges, and for the institution of 
subordinate lodges under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge ; 
and warrants so granted shall be in force until suspended or revoked in the 
manner provided by law, or superseded by charters duly granted. 

Section 13. The Supreme Chancellor shall have power to grant such 
dispensations as the Supreme Lodge may authorize by law. 

Section 14. The Supreme Chancellor shall require the execution and 
delivery to him of the bonds which may by law be required of officers of 
the Supreme Lodge, and he shall be the custodian of such bonds. 

Section 15. The Supreme Chancellor shall select, and promulgate in 
the manner provided by law, passwords for the order, and may change the 
same when in his judgment it may be advisable. 

Section 16. The Supreme Chancellor shall perform such other duties 
as may be provided by Supreme law. 

Section 17. The Supreme Chancellor shall receive such compensation 
as the Supreme Lodge may provide by law, which compensation shall not 
be increased or diminished during his term of office. 



ARTICLE IX. 

THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 

Section i. The judicial powers of the Supreme Government shall be 
vested in one Supreme Tribunal, and in the members thereof. 

Rosenblath vs. Board of Control, 5 Clark, 40. 

Section 2 (Par. 1). The Supreme Tribunal shall consist of three Tri- 
bunes, of whom two shall be a quorum. Not more than one Tribune shall 
be chosen from the same grand domain. (1900.) 

Section 3 (Par. 2). The Tribunes shall select, as provided by law, 
one of their number, who shall preside as Chief Tribune. 

Section 4 (Par. 6). Every decision of the Supreme Tribunal shall 
require a concurrence of two Tribunes. (1900.) 

Section 5 (2). The Tribunes shall be nominated by the Su- 
preme Chancellor, as the Supreme Lodge may by law provide, which nom- 
inations shall require for confirmation the affirmative vote of a majority 
of all the members of the Supreme Lodge. 

Section 6 (Par. 1). Each Tribune, at the date of his selection and 
during the term of his service, shall be a past grand chancellor in good 
standing. 

Section 7 (Par. 2). A Tribune shall not hold the position of Supreme 
Representative, or any office in the Supreme Lodge, or in any grand or 
subordinate lodge, during the term for which he shall have been selected. 
2 



18 SUPREME 

Section 8 (Par. 3). The term of each Tribune shall be six years; 
provided that the terms of the three Tribunes first appointed shall expire, 
one on December 31, 1902; one on December 31, 1904; and one on De- 
cember 31, 1906. (1900.) 

Section 9 (Par. 4). Each Tribune shall receive such compensation as 
shall be fixed by the Supreme Lodge. (1900.) 

Section 10 (Par. 5). Should a vacancy occur in the membership of the 
Supreme Tribunal, during the recess of the Supreme Lodge> the Supreme 
Chancellor shall fill the same by appointment, until the next convention 
of the Supreme Lodge. 

Section ii (Par. 6). Except by consent of all the parties thereto, no 
Tribune shall preside on the trial of any cause in which his interest may 
prejudice his determination, or in which any of the parties shall be related 
to him by affinity or consanguinity within the sixth degree, or in the trial 
of which by an inferior tribunal he may have participated. 

Section 12 (Par. 7). The Supreme Lodge may by law provide for the 
appointment of a special Tribune in any cause in which a regular Tribune 
shall be unable or shall fail to attend, or to hear any cause in which a 
regular Tribune may be incompetent. 

Section 13 (3). The Supreme Tribunal shall have jurisdiction as fol- 
lows: 

Par. a (1). It shall have exclusive jurisdiction of controversies between 
grand lodges. 

Par. b (2). It shall have original but not exclusive jurisdiction of con- 
troversies between subordinate lodges in different domains ; between 
subordinate lodges either one of which is under the immediate control of 
the Supreme Lodge; between members of subordinate lodges in different 
domains; between members of subordinate lodges either one of which is 
under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge; and of controversies 
wherein non-conformity to, violations of or the construction of the Su- 
preme law are complained of or are in question. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

Russell vs. Bon, 2 Clark, 25. 

Readjvs.;Peoples, 2 Clark, 28. 

Kennedy vs. De Molay Lodge, No. 13, 2 Clark, 31. 

Merrimack Lodge, No. 4, vs. G. L. New Hampshire, 3 Clark, 30. 

Samuels vs. Live Oak Lodge, No. 17, 3 Clark, 42. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 3 Clark, 57. 

Sample vs. Wellenvoss, 5 Clark, 53. 

Sheridan Lodge, No. 9, vs. Calanthe Lodge, No. 66, 6 S. T., 21. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Barry, 6 S. T., 36. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Douglass, 8 S. T., 7. 

Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Par. c (3). It shall have appellate jurisdiction both as to law and fact. 

Merrimack Lodge, No. 4, vs. G. L. New Hampshire, 3 Clark, 30. 

Section 14 (4). Cases may be carried to the Supreme Tribunal by 



. 






CONSTITUTION. 19 

appeal or writ of error, under such rules of procedure as the Supreme 
Lodge may by law provide. Samuels vs. Live Oak Lodge, No. 17, 3 Clark, 42. 

Section 15 (5). The right of appeal to the Supreme Tribunal shall 
extend to all cases, with such exceptions and under such restrictions and 
regulations as the Supreme Lodge may by Jaw prescribe. 

Samuels vs. Live Oak Lodge, No. 17, 3 Clark, 42. 

Section 16 (6). The Supreme Tribunal shall hold regular and special 
sittings as may be provided by the Supreme Statutes. 

Section 17 (7). The Supreme Tribunal may adopt and enforce rules 
of practice and procedure for the conduct and dispatch of its business. 

Section 18 (8). The Supreme Tribunal may appoint a recorder, whose 
term of office shall be two years, and who shall receive such compensation 
as may be provided by law. 



ARTICLE X. 

GRAND LODGES. 

Section i. A grand lodge shall not be instituted with less than ten 
subordinate lodges. 

Section 2. A grand lodge shall be composed only of past chancellors 
who have attained the grand lodge rank. 

Section 3. The domain of a grand lodge, except as otherwise provided 
in its warrant or charter, shall be the state, district, territory or province 
in which the same is located. 

Section 4. Territory in which no grand lodge exists may be added 
temporarily to the domain of an adjacent grand lodge, when so ordered 
by the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Chancellor. 

Section 5. A grand lodge shall not be instituted within the domain of 
another, nor shall any grand lodge be created by the consolidation of two 
or more grand domains or parts thereof, except by the Supreme Lodge, 
upon the request or by the consent of the grand lodges involved. 

Section 6. A grand lodge shall exercise within its domain all power 
and authority not reserved to the Supreme Government by the Supreme 
constitution. Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54- 

Section 7. A grand lodge shall not engage in the business of life or 
accident insurance, or any other business not in consonance with the pur- 
poses for which it was created, nor shall an officer or officers of a grand 
lodge, as such, engage in such business. 

Section 8. A grand lodge shall prescribe the powers and duties of its 
officers, except as they may be fixed by the Supreme law. 

Section 9. The ritualistic officers of a grand lodge shall be such as are 
prescribed in the grand lodge ritual. The constitutional officers of a grand 
lodge shall be such as may be provided in its constitution. 



20 SUPREME 

Section io. The term of a ritualistic officer of a grand lodge shall be 
one official year, subject to the provisions of section 13 of this article. 

Section ii. Each grand lodge shall have a constitution for its own 
government, and shall provide such legislation as shall secure conformity 
to the Supreme law and to the decisions of the Supreme Tribunal from 
the subordinate lodges and members of the order within its domain; but 
a grand lodge shall not enact or enforce any law which shall abridge the 
rights or privileges secured to a member of the order by the Supreme law. 

Rinne vs. Damon Lodge, No. 2, 8 S. T., 44. 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Section 12. A grand lodge may create, by constitutional provision, 
three independent coordinate departments, viz. : A legislative department, 
to be known as the grand lodge, in which shall be vested all legislative 
powers ; an executive department, to be known as the grand chancellor, 
in whom shall be vested all executive powers; and a judicial department, 
to be known as the grand tribunal, in which shall be vested all judicial 

powers. Kanski vs. Bedell, 4 Clark, 37. 

Eisenberg vs. Oswego Lodge, No. 9, 7 S. T., 18. 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Section 13. Each grand lodge shall provide by law for the holding 
of regular conventions annually or biennially; provided, however, that not 
more than one regular convention shall be held in any calendar year. 
(1902.) 

Section 14. Each grand lodge shall display its warrant or charter at the 
station of the grand chancellor at some time during every convention. 

Section 15. Each grand lodge may provide by law that the subordinate 
lodges within its domain shall or shall not pay weekly benefits, or that 
the question of the payment of such benefits may be determined by each 
subordinate lodge for itself. 

Russell vs. Bon, 2 'Clark, 25. 

Jefferson Valley Lodge, No. 11, vs. Stradford, 6 S. T., 49. 

Section 16. The warrant or charter of a grand lodge may be sus- 
pended by the Supreme Chancellor or the Supreme Lodge, as may be 
provided by law. 

Section 17. The suspension of a warrant or charter of a grand lodge 
may be terminated by the Supreme Chancellor or the Supreme Lodge, as 
may be provided by law. 

Section 18. The warrant or charter of a grand lodge may be revoked 
only by the Supreme Lodge, as may be provided by law. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

Section 19. The constitutions and laws of grand and subordinate 
lodges, which may be in force at the date of the adoption of this constitu- 
tion are hereby declared to be operative so far as they do not conflict with 
the Supreme law as established by this constitution. 






CONSTITUTION. 21 

ARTICLE XL 

SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

Section i. A subordinate lodge shall be instituted only as may be 
provided by Supreme law, and shall exist only by virtue of a warrant 
or charter issued in accordance therewith ; it shall consist of not less than 
ten members, seven of whom shall constitute a quorum; it shall have and 
exercise subordinate Pythian authority and control over such territory as 
may be prescribed by law, subject to the laws established by the Supreme 
Government and by its grand lodge. Two or more subordinate lodges 
may be given concurrent territorial jurisdiction when located in the same 
city or town or other contiguous territory. Fethe rs vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Section 2. The ritualistic officers of a subordinate lodge shall be such 
as are designated in the subordinate lodge ritual. They shall be nom- 
inated, elected and installed, and vacancies in office shall be filled, as 
provided by Supreme law. The official terms of such officers shall con- 
tinue for twelve months from January 1st in each year, or until their 
successors are elected and installed ; provided that, in domains in which 
grand lodges so enact, such terms shall continue for six months from Jan- 
uary 1st and July 1st in each year. 

Eisenberg vs. Oswego Lodge, No. 9, 7 S. T., 18. 

Section 3. A subordinate lodge may elect or appoint such trustees or 
other non-ritualistic officers as may be authorized by its grand lodge. 

Section 4. Each subordinate lodge shall display its warrant or charter 
in the lodge room whenever in session. 

Section 5. No convention for the transaction of business or work 
shall be held, and no excursion or entertainment shall be had, by a subor- 
dinate lodge on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday. 

Section 6. The ranks of knighthood shall be attained and conferred 
only in accordance with the requirements of the Supreme law. The con- 
ditions of eligibility to such ranks shall be uniform, and shall be fixed by 
the Supreme statutes ; provided always, that no person shall be initiated 
into the order unless he be a white male, of good moral character, twenty- 
one years of age and a believer in a Supreme Being; and provided further 
that the fees for the ranks of knighthood shall not be less than ten dollars 
in the currency of the United States of America or its equivalent in the 
currency of the country in which the lodge is located. 

Kline vs. Sampson Lodge, No. 67, 6 S. T., 32. 

Section 7. Membership in a subordinate lodge may be attained only as 
provided by the Supreme law. Every person claiming the rights, benefits 
and privileges of the order must be a member of a subordinate lodge. 

Section 8. Each subordinate lodge shall provide for and pay, upon 
the death of a member thereof in. good standing, a funeral benefit of not 
less than twenty dollars. California Lodge, No. 1, vs. G. L. California, 1 Clark, 10. 



22 SUPREME 

Section 9. The warrant or charter of a subordinate lodge shall not be 
anested, suspended, revoked or restored, except in the manner prescribed 
by Supreme law. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 



ARTICLE XII. 

THE INSURANCE BRANCH. 

Section i. The purpose of the insurance branch shall be to provide 
indemnity for the beneficiaries of deceased members of the order. 

Rosenblath vs. Board of Control, 5 Clark, 40. 

Section 2. The insurance branch of the order shall be governed by 
such laws as the Supreme Lodge may enact or authorize ; provided that the 
attainment of membership in such insurance branch shall be restricted to 
members of the order who have attained the rank of knight and are in 
good standing in a subordinate lodge, but shall not be compulsory upon 
any member of the order. 



ARTICLE XIII. 

THE MILITARY BRANCH. 

Section i. The purpose of the military branch shall be to promote a 
military spirit among its members. 

Section 2. The military branch of the order shall be governed by such 
rituals and laws as the Supreme Lodge may enact or authorize; provided 
that membership in such military branch shall be restricted to members of 
the order who have attained the rank of knight and are in good standing 
in a subordinate lodge, but shall not be compulsory upon any member of 
the order. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

RITUALS. 

Section i. The rituals of the order shall be the existing written or 
printed secret ceremonies* obligations and secret work heretofore estab- 
lished for the Supreme Lodge, for grand lodges, for subordinate lodges 
and for the military branch of the order. 

Section 2. Any amendment of the rituals of the order may be pro- 
posed in secret session at a regular convention of the Supreme Lodge, 
and shall be considered and may be adopted in accordance with the 
Supreme statutes; provided that such amendment shall require for its 
adoption the affirmative vote, by yeas and nays, of four-fifths of all the 
members of the Supreme Lodge — such vote to be taken at the succeeding 
regular convention thereof, and then only after a full exemplification, in 



CONSTITUTION. 23 

the presence of the Supreme Lodge, of the change proposed by such 

amendment. Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 3 Clark, 17. 

Section 3. The rituals of the order, as to the matters therein con- 
tained, shall be the paramount law of the order; but no change or amend- 
ment of such rituals shall be obnoxious to or in conflict with the Supreme 
constitution or any amendment thereof, nor shall any amendment of the 
Supreme constitution be obnoxious to or in conflict with the paramount 
law as contained in the rituals. 

SupremelLc-dge, ex rel., vs. Norberg, 3 Clark, 55. 

Section 4. The promulgation, issue, custody and use of the rituals 
of the order shall be as provided by the Supreme statutes. 



ARTICLE XV. 

GENERAL PROVISIONS. 

Section i. All constitutions, legislation and decisions of the Supreme 
Lodge and all rulings of the Supreme Chancellor, in force prior to the 
adoption of this constitution, are hereby repealed and annulled, except 
as in this article otherwise specifically provided. 

Sample vs. Wellenvoss, 5 Clark, 53. 

Section 2. The ranks of Past Supreme Chancellor, Past Supreme Rep- 
resentative, past grand chancellor, past grand representative and past 
chancellor, heretofore acquired, shall be known hereafter as the honors of 
Past Supreme Chancellor, Past Supreme Representative, past grand chan- 
cellor, past grand representative and past chancellor, respectively. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 4 Clark : 60. 

Section 3. So much of this constitution as relates to the election of 
the officers of the Supreme Lodge and to their terms of office shall take 
effect upon the installation of the officers elected at the convention of the 
year eighteen hundred and ninety-four; provided that the term of the pres- 
ent incumbent of the office of Major General of the Uniform Rank shall 
expire upon the installation of his successor at the regular convention 
of the Supreme Lodge in the year eighteen hundred and ninety-six. 

Section 4. So much of this constitution as prescribes the basis of rep- 
resentation of grand lodges in the Supreme Lodge shall take effect upon 
the close of the convention of the Supreme Lodge in the year eighteen 
hundred and ninety-four. 

Section 5. So much of this constitution as confers upon the Supreme 
Tribunal the judicial functions and powers heretofore exercised by the 
Supreme Lodge and by the Supreme Chancellor shall take effect upon the 
close of the regular convention of the Supreme Lodge in the year eighteen 
hundred and ninety-four. 

Section 6. The laws heretofore enacted for the government of the 
Endowment Rank, and in force at the date of the adoption of, and so 



24 SUPRKMK 

far as they do not conflict with, this constitution, shall continue in force as 
the laws for the government of the insurance branch until superseded 
by statutes duly enacted. 

Section 7. The laws heretofore enacted for the government of the 
Uniform Rank, and the rulings of the Supreme Chancellor relative thereto, 
in force at the date of the adoption of, and so far as they do not conflict 
with, this constitution, shall continue in force as the laws for the govern- 
ment of the military branch until superseded by statutes duly enacted. 

Section 8. The laws of any grand or subordinate lodge which conflict 
with or contravene this constitution are hereby annulled; and an attempt 
to enforce such laws is declared to be an act of contumacy, punishable as 
the Supreme Lodge may by law provide. 

Russell vs. Bon, 2 Clark, 25. 
Sample vs. Wellenvoss, 5 Clark, 53. 



ARTICLE XVI. 

AMENDMENTS. 

Section i. Any amendment of this constitution may be proposed in the 
Supreme Lodge at a regular convention thereof, in such manner as the 
Supreme Lodge may by law provide ; and if such proposed amendment 
shall be agreed to by a majority of all the members of the Supreme Lodge, 
it shall be entered on the record with the yeas and nays thereon, and 
the further consideration thereof deferred until the next regular conven- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge. Such amendment shall be forwarded at once 
to each grand chancellor, who shall cause the same to be reported to 
the next convention of his grand lodge; and if, at the next regular con- 
vention of the Supreme Lodge, such proposed amendment, in form and 
language as agreed to at the preceding regular convention, shall be 
adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the grand lodges, then 
such amendment shall become a part of this constitution; provided that 
such vote shall be taken by yeas and nays, and that each grand lodge 
shall be entitled to one vote, of which each Supreme Representative thereof 
shall be entitled to cast his proportionate part. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 4 Clark, 60. 



ARTICLE XVII. 

FORCE and effect. 

Section i. This constitution shall take effect and become of force upon 
its adoption by the Supreme Lodge. 



SUPREME STATUTES. 



Enacted September 8, 1894, 

P. P. XXXI. 



ENACTING CLAUSE. 

Be it enacted by the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, That the fol- 
lowing code of statutes from Title I to Title XI, inclusive, shall constitute 
and be known as the Supreme statutes of the order of Knights of Pythias, 
and shall be designated and cited by the words "Supreme statutes," adding 
the number of title, chapter and section, when necessary; and as such are 
hereby adopted and shall become the law of the order, to take effect from 
and after the adoption of this enacting clause, except such parts thereof 
as to which a different provision is made therein. 

All laws of a general nature in force when the Supreme statutes take 
effect, which are repugnant thereto, are hereby repealed, except as follows : 

The adoption of the Supreme statutes, and the repeal of existing laws 
therein provided for, shall not affect any offence or act committed or 
done, or any penalty or forfeiture incurred, or any right established, ac- 
crued or accruing, before the Supreme statutes take effect; but when a 
penalty or forfeiture is mitigated by the Supreme statutes, such provisions 
may be extended and applied to any conviction or judgment pronounced 
after said repeal ; nor shall such repeal affect any prosecution or charges 
pending at the time it takes effect, for an offence committed under any 
of the provisions of a law repealed, except that the proceedings therein 
shall conform, as nearly as practicable, to the provisions of the Supreme 
statutes. 

When a period of time, prescribed in any law repealed, for acquiring 
a right or barring a remedy, or for any other purpose, has begun to run, 
and the same or a similar limitation is prescribed in the Supreme statutes, 
the time of limitation shall continue to run, and shall have the like effect 
as if the whole period had begun and ended under the operation of the 
Supreme statutes. 

The provisions of the Supreme statutes, so far as they are the same 
as existed prior to the adoption of the Supreme statutes, shall be con- 
strued as a continuation of such laws, and not as new enactments. 

An official copy of the Supreme statutes shall be deposited and kept in 
the office of the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, which record shall 

be an authentic record of such laws. Sample vs. Wellenvoss, 5 Clark, 53. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 
(25) 



26 SUPREME [Division I, 



DIVISION I. 

THE SUPREME GOVERNMENT. 

PART I. 

THE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. 
CHAPTER I. 

SPECIAL CONVENTIONS OF THE SUPREME LODGE. 

1 (25). The Supreme Chancellor, whenever in his judgment, con- 
curred in by three other officers of the Supreme Lodge, the interests of the 
order require it, shall call a special convention of the Supreme Lodge, at 
a time and place to be fixed by him, to consider such matters only as 
may be specified in such call. At least thirty days' notice of the time 
and place of such special convention, and of the matters to be considered, 
shall be given to each member of the Supreme Lodge. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE GREAT SEAL. 

2 (98). The Great Seal of the Supreme Lodge shall be in accordance 
with the following design, and shall be kept in the custody of the Supreme 



Keeper of Records and Seal, and shall be used by him in authenticating 
such documents as require his official attestation. 



CHAPTER III. 

SUPREME LODGE OFFICERS IN GENERAL. 

3 (125). Subject to the provisions of art. vii, sec. 2, of the Supreme 
constitution, the officers of the Supreme Lodge named in said section 



Part I.] STATUTES. 27 

shall be elected at each regular biennial convention of the Supreme Lodge. 
The election of such officers shall be by ballot, and shall be held at such 
time during such convention as the Supreme Lodge shall by resolution 
fix for that purpose, provided that such election shall not be held earlier 
than the third day of such convention, and that the resolution fixing 
the time for such election shall be adopted at least twenty-four hours 
prior to the time fixed for such election. In all cases the votes of the 
majority of all the members of the Supreme Lodge present at such 
election shall be necessary to a choice. In case of a tie, the ballotting 
shall continue until a choice shall have been made. (1898.) 

4 (126). The Supreme Lodge officers elect shall be installed on the 
last day of the convention. If an officer elect is absent at the time of 
installation, unless excused by the Supreme Lodge, his office shall be 
declared vacant, and another election shall be held at once to fill the 
vacancy. If an absent officer elect has been excused by the Supreme 
Lodge, the Supreme Chancellor shall have power to install such officer 
during recess, at his convenience. The installation of the Supreme Keeper 
of Records and Seal and of the Supreme Master of Exchequer shall be 
subject, however, to the provisions of division i, part i, chapters v and vi, 
of the Supreme statutes. 

5 (23). The Supreme Chancellor shall assemble in council the officers 
of the Supreme Lodge, whenever in his judgment the counsel and advice 
of such officers is necessary for the protection of the order, or to provide 
against unforeseen or impending calamity to the order, or for the general 
welfare thereof; and it shall be his duty to assemble said officers in 
council whenever requested in writing by five officers of the Supreme 
Lodge to do so. 

6 (24). The assembly in council shall be at such time and place as 
the Supreme Chancellor may determine, and reasonable notice thereof 
shall be given by the Supreme Chancellor to each officer of the Supreme 
Lodge. Six officers of the Supreme Lodge shall constitute a quorum 
of such assembly in council, and the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal 
shall be ex officio the secretary of the assembly. 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE SUPREME VICE CHANCELLOR. 

7 (49). It shall be the duty of the Supreme Vice Chancellor to visit 
such of the grand lodges as the Supreme Chancellor shall designate, 
not exceeding in all, during his term of office, one-half of entire number 
in existence, unless sickness or some other unavoidable circumstance shall 
prevent; and to perform such duties in connection therewith as may be 
designated by the Supreme Chancellor, which are not by law specifically 
devolved upon the Supreme Chancellor; and, when engaged in the per- 



28 SUPRKMK [Division I, 

formance of such duties, he shall be entitled to receive the same mileage 
as is provided for other Supreme Lodge officers when in the performance 
of official duties. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE SUPREME KEEPER OF RECORDS AND SEAL. 

8 (38). Before any one shall be installed in the office of Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal, he shall file with the Supreme Chancellor a 
bond, with sureties approved by the Supreme Chancellor and the Supreme 
Vice Chancellor, in the penal sum of twenty thousand dollars, conditioned 
for the faithful discharge of the duties of the office, and for the delivery 
to his successor, at the end of his official term or upon his removal from 
office, of all the property and funds of the Supreme Lodge that may have 
come into his possession by virtue of his incumbency of the office, which 
may or should be in his keeping at the time the office is vacated. If such 
bond be not filed during the convention of the Supreme Lodge at which 
said officer is elected, the Supreme Chancellor shall install him into his 
office upon his executing and filing such bond at any time within sixty days 
after his election. If such bond shall not be filed by the Supreme Keeper 
of Records and Seal elect within sixty days after his election, the office shall 
be declared vacant by the Supreme Chancellor, and appointment made to 
fill the same — subject to all the requirements of this section as to giving 
bond. 

9 (39). The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall enter upon the 
duties of his office immediately after his installation. He shall attend 
all the conventions of the Supreme Lodge, and every session of each con- 
vention, and keep a true and comprehensive record of all the proceedings 
thereof, which, when printed, shall be styled and cited as the "Official 
Record of the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias," of which he shall 
transmit to each grand lodge as many copies as said grand lodge has past 
grand chancellors, ritualistic officers and subordinate lodges, one copy to 
each subordinate lodge under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge 
and each District Deputy Supreme Chancellor, and two copies to the office 
of the Recorder of the Supreme Tribunal. He shall also cause to be 
printed a daily journal of the proceedings of the Supreme Lodge, and each 
morning lay upon the table of each member such number of copies thereof 
as the Supreme Lodge may by resolution direct. He shall have charge of 
the archives, seal, books, papers and similar property of the Supreme 
Lodge, and of the sale of all supplies ; conduct the official correspondence 
of the Supreme Lodge ; prepare all warrants and charters for grand lodges, 
and all warrants for subordinate lodges not within the domain of a grand 
lodge; keep a roster of all past grand chancellors entitled to admission to 
the Supreme Lodge, and perform all other services which may from time to 
time be required of him by the Supreme Lodge. He shall in due season, 






Part I.] STATUTES. 29 

prior to the opening of any convention of the Supreme Lodge, make all 
necessary arrangements for a hall, including the arrangement of seats, 
which shall be as far as practicable by lot. (1902.) 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 3 Clark, 17. 

10 (40). The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall receive all 
moneys due the Supreme Lodge, and pay the same monthly to the Supreme 
Master of Exchequer ; keep an accurate account showing the financial con- 
dition of the Supreme Lodge ; keep the accounts of the grand lodges and of 
the District Deputy Supreme Chancellors with the Supreme Lodge, and 
draw all orders on the Supreme Master of Exchequer that may be author- 
ized by law. He shall submit his books and accounts to the committee on 
finance, for examination and inspection, whenever called upon by it so 
t0 do - Seism vs. White, 4 Clark, 44. 

11 (41). The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall prepare and 
transmit to the Supreme Chancellor, as soon as possible after the expiration 
of the fiscal year which ends during a recess of the Supreme Lodge, a 
report of the transactions of his office during said fiscal year, and shall sub- 
mit to the Supreme Lodge, at the opening of each biennial convention, a 
printed report showing the general condition of the order and the financial 
condition of the Supreme Lodge. 

12 (42). The actual incumbent of the office of Supreme Keeper of Re- 
cords and Seal shall receive, as compensation for his services and for 
the expense of his office, such amount as may be fixed and appropriated 
by the Supreme Lodge, f he amount shall be fixed and the appropriation 
made at each biennial convention of the Supreme Lodge, to cover a period 
of two years from the date of his installation. (1896.) 



CHAPTER VI. 

THE SUPREME MASTER OF EXCHEQUER. 

13 (.43). Before any one shall be installed in the office of Supreme 
Master of Exchequer he shall file with the Supreme Chancellor a bond, 
with sureties approved by the Supreme Chancellor and the Supreme Vice 
Chancellor, in the penal sum of fifty thousand dollars, conditioned for the 
faithful discharge of the duties of the office of Supreme Master of Exche- 
quer, and for the delivery to his successor, at the end of his official term or 
upon his removal from office, of all the property and funds of the Supreme 
Lodge of which he may become possessed by virtue of his incumbency of 
said office, which may or should be in his possession at the time the office 
is vacated. If such bond be not filed during the convention of the Supreme 
Lodge at which said officer is elected, the Supreme Chancellor shall install 
him into his office upon his executing and filing such bond at any time 
within sixty days after his election, If such bond shall not be filed by the 
Supreme Master of Exchequer elect within sixty days after his election, 



30 STATUTES. [Division I, 

the office shall be declared vacant by the Supreme Chancellor, and an 
appointment made to rill the vacancy, subject to all the requirements of 
this section as to giving bond. 

14 (44). The Supreme Master of Exchequer shall enter upon the duties 
of his office immediately after his installation ; he shall receive all funds 
that should come into his hands by virtue of his office, and shall give 
receipt therefor by his proper signature and official title, and he and his 
sureties shall be responsible therefor. 

15 (45a). The Supreme Master of Exchequer shall pay all orders drawn 
on him by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal and approved by the 
Supreme Chancellor; and such orders, when properly endorsed by the 
respective payees, shall be his only valid vouchers for the disbursement 
of the funds of the Supreme Lodge. (1902). Seism vs. White, 4 Clark, 44. 

16 (46) The Supreme Master of Exchequer shall keep an accurate 
account of all the receipts and disbursements of his office. He shall submit 
his books and accounts to the committee on finance, for examination and 
inspection, whenever called upon by it so to do. 

17 (47). The Supreme Master of Exchequer shall attend all the con- 
ventions of the Supreme Lodge, and every session of each convention, and 
shall go to each regular or special convention prepared to pay all the 
accounts that the Supreme Lodge may allow, and to turn over to his suc- 
cessor in office all funds in his possession. He shall submit to the Supreme 
Lodge, at the opening of each biennial convention, a printed report giving 
an itemized account of the receipts and disbursements of his office during 
the two preceding fiscal years, showing the date and amount of receipts, 
the date of »issue, the name of the payee, for what purpose issued and the 
amount of each and every order drawn upon and paid by him during the 
preceding two fiscal years. In addition thereto, he shall make a detailed 
and itemized report, covering the time from the close of the last fiscal year 
up to the opening day of the biennial convention of the Supreme Lodge, 
showing in itemized form the amount of receipts during the said period, 
the date of issue, the name of the payee, the purpose for which it was 
drawn, and the amount of every order drawn upon and paid by him during 
such period. (1898.) 

18 (48). The actual incumbent of the office of Supreme Master of 
Exchequer shall receive, as compensation for his services and for the 
expense of his office, such amount as may be fixed and appropriated by 
the Supreme Lodge. The amount shall be fixed and the appropriation 
made at each biennial convention of the Supreme Lodge, to cover a 
period of two years from the date of his installation. (1896.) 

CHAPTER VII. 

SUPREME REPRESENTATIVES. 

19 (209). There shall be elected by each grand lodge in each odd- 
numbered year, in the same manner as grand lodge officers are elected, one 



Part I.] statutes! 31 

Supreme Representative, who shall be known as a Supreme Representative 
at large, and whose term shall continue for four years from the first day 
of January following such election. 

20 (210). Any grand lodge hereafter organized shall, at the time of 
its institution, elect while in convention assembled two Supreme Repre- 
sentatives, who shall be known as Supreme Representatives at large. The 
terms of the Supreme Representatives so elected shall be, one for two years 
and one for four years from the first day of January of the first even- 
numbered year following such election. 

21 (211). Whenever the regular semi-annual reports from the subordi- 
nate lodges within the domain of a grand lodge, for the term ending Decem- 
ber 31st of the preceding year, shall show the total membership of such 
subordinate lodges to equal or exceed ten thousand members, then such 
grand lodge shall be entitled to one additional Supreme Representative 
for such ten thousand members; provided that no grand lodge shall be 
entitled to more than five Supreme Representatives. 

22 (212). If the right of a grand lodge to the additional representation 
provided for in this chapter shall accrue upon the reports of its subordi- 
nate lodges for the term ending December 31st of an even-numbered year, 
then the additional Supreme Representative shall be elected by the grand 
lodge in the following year. 

23 (213). If the right of a grand lodge to the additional representa- 
tion provided for in this chapter shall accrue upon the reports of its 
subordinate lodges for the term ending December 31st of an odd-numbered 
year, then, if a convention of the Supreme Lodge is to be held prior to the 
regular convention of such grand lodge in the following even-numbered 
year, such additional Supreme Representative shall be appointed at once 
by the grand chancellor of such grand lodge; but if a regular convention 
of such grand lodge is to be held prior to the next convention of the Su- 
preme Lodge, then such additional Supreme Representative shall be elected 
by the grand lodge. 

24 (214). So long as a grand lodge shall continue, under the provisions 
of this chapter, entitled to additional representation, such grand lodge, in 
each odd-numbered year, shall elect additional Supreme Representatives 
to fill vacancies caused by the expiration, on the 31st day of December next 
ensuing, of the terms of additional Supreme Representatives theretofore 
elected or appointed. 

25 (215). The term of a new additional Supreme Representative 
elected in an odd-numbered year shall be for four years from the first day 
of January following such election; provided that, if the grand lodge by 
which such election is had already has one or more additional Supreme 
Representatives, then such term shall be for four years or for two years 
from the first day of January following the election, as will most nearly 
secure the expiration of the terms of one-half the whole number of Su- 



32 SUPREME [Division I, 

preme Representatives from such grand lodge on the 31st day of December 
of each odd-numbered year. 

26 (216). The term of an additional Supreme Representative elected 
in an even-numbered year shall be for three years from the first day of 
January following such election ; provided that if the grand lodge by which 
such election is had already has one or more additional Supreme Repre- 
sentatives, then such term shall be for three years or for one year from the 
first day of January following such election, as will most nearly secure the 
expiration of the terms of one-half the whole number of Supreme Repre- 
sentatives from such grand lodge on the 31st day of December of each 
odd-numbered year. 

27 (217). If a vacancy among the Supreme Representatives of a grand 
lodge shall occur by reason of the death, resignation or inability of a 
Supreme Representative, or by reason of the failure of a Supreme Repre- 
sentative to maintain good standing in his grand lodge and in a subordi- 
nate lodge within its domain, or by reason of the acceptance by a Supreme 
Representative of any office in his grand lodge, or by reason of the 
removal of the actual and bona fide residence of a Supreme Representative 
from within the domain of his grand lodge, or by reason of any other 
cause, except the expiration of the term of a Supreme Representative, then 
such vacancy shall be filled by appointment by the grand chancellor of 
such grand lodge, and such appointment shall be until the next ensuing 
convention of such grand lodge, when the vacancy shall be filled, for the 
remainder of the term in which the vacancy exists, by the grand lodge in 
convention assembled. 

28 (218). It shall be the true intent and purpose of this chapter to 
secure to each grand lodge a number of Supreme Representatives equal to 
two Supreme Representatives at large and one additional Supreme Repre- 
sentative for each ten thousand members of the subordinate lodges within 
its domain on the 31st day of December of the odd-numbered year imme- 
diately preceding a convention of the Supreme Lodge, and no more; and 
further that, so nearly as may be, the terms of one-half the whole number 
of Supreme Representatives from any grand lodge shall expire on the 31st 
day of December of each odd-numbered year ; provided that no grand lodge 
shall be entitled to more than five Supreme Representatives. 

29 (219). Before a Supreme Representative, elected for a full term, 
can be admitted as such to the Supreme Lodge, a credential in form as fol- 
lows shall be filed with the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, as pro- 
vided by section 179 of the Supreme statutes: 

SUPREME REPRESENTATIVE CREDENTIAL. 

{Elected for full term.) 

GRAND LODGE OF 



To the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias: 

This is to certify that P. G. C. has 

been elected by this grand lodge a Supreme Representative from this 



Part I.] STATUTES. 33 

grand lodge, to serve from the ist day of January, 190 , P. P. , 

until the 31st day of December, 190 , P. P. . He is a member 

in good standing of this grand lodge and of a subordinate lodge within 
its domain; he is not the holder of any office in this grand lodge, and 
he is an actual and bona fide resident within its domain. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature and caused 
the same to be attested by the grand keeper of records and seal, and the 

seal of this grand lodge to be affixed, this day of , 

190 -, P. P. . 



seal of : Attest : Grand Chancellor. 

grand : 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. 
A duplicate of such credential may be furnished to the Supreme Repre- 
sentative, upon application, which may be used in lieu of the original, in 
case of the loss thereof. (1896.) 

30 (220). Before a Supreme Representative, elected or appointed to 
fill a vacancy, can be admitted as such to the Supreme Lodge, a credential 
in form as follows shall be filed with the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal, as provided by section 179 of the Supreme statutes : 

SUPREME REPRESENTATIVE CREDENTIAL. 

{To Ull vacancy.) 

GRAND LODGE OF 

To the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias: 

This is to certify that, whereas [here state the reason why an 
election or appointment is necessary], now, therefore, P. G. C. 

■ has been duly elected by the grand lodge 

[or, "appointed by me," as the case may be] Supreme Representa- 
tive from this grand lodge, to serve from the date hereof until [either "the 
expiration of the term," or "the next convention of the grand lodge," as 
the case may be]. He is a member in good standing of this grand lodge 
and of a subordinate lodge within its domain ; he is not the holder of any 
office in this grand lodge, and is an actual and bona fide resident within its 
domain. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature and caused 
the same to be attested by the grand keeper of records and seal, and the 

seal of this grand lodge to be affixed, this day of , 

190 , P. P. . 



seal of : Attest : Grand Chancellor. 

grand : 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. 

A duplicate of such credential may be furnished to the Supreme Repre- 
sentative, upon application, which may be used in lieu of the original in 
case of the loss thereof. (1896.) 



34 supreme [Division I, 



CHAPTER VIII. 

COMMITTEES. 

31 (i). The Supreme Chancellor, as soon as practicable after his install- 
ation, shall appoint from the members of the Supreme Lodge the following 
standing committees, whose terms of service shall continue until the close 
of the next succeeding biennial convention, subject to the provisions of 
section 49 of this chapter : 

A committee on judiciary, consisting of fifteen members. 
A committee on ways and means, consisting of eleven members. 
A committee on grievances, consisting of eleven members. 
A committee on finance, consisting of five members. 
A committee on credentials, consisting of five members. 
A committee on reports, consisting of five members. 
A committee on mileage and per diem, consisting of five members. 
A committee on the state of the order, consisting of fifteen members. 
A committee on written work, consisting of nine members. 
A committee on unwritten work, consisting of nine members. 
A committee on warrants and charters, consisting of five members. 
A committee on rules, consisting of seven members. 
A committee on review, consisting of nine members. 
A committee on Endowment Rank, consisting of fifteen members. 
A committee on Uniform Rank, consisting of fifteen members. 
A committee on subdivision and reference, consisting of five mem- 
bers. (1902.) 

32 (2). The committee on judiciary shall consider and report upon 
all proposed amendments of the constitution or statutes, and such portions 
of the reports of officers of the Supreme Lodge as may be referred to it, 
and recommend such legislation as it may deem expedient in connection 
therewith. 

33 (3). The committee on ways and means shall consider and report 
upon all resolutions and all proposed statutes or amendments thereof relat- 
ing to the revenue of the Supreme Lodge. It shall report such legislation 
for the raising of revenue as it may deem necessary or expedient. 

34 (4). The committee on grievances shall consider and report upon 
all grievances from grand lodges, subordinate lodges or members of the 
order which may be referred to it by the Supreme Lodge. 

35 (5). The committee on finance, immediately after the expiration of 
the quarters ending with June, September and December in each year, shall 
cause the books and accounts of the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal 
and of the Supreme Master of Exchequer to be examined and audited by 
two members of the committee, to be designated by the chairman ; and a 
full meeting of the committee shall be held on or before the 15th of April 
of each year for the same purpose, After each of the examinations herein 



Part I.] STATUTES. 35 

provided for, the committee shall submit a full report of the result of such 
examination to the Supreme Chancellor, together with such recommenda- 
tions to the Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Chancellor as in its judgment 
may be necessary or desirable. Copies of all reports so made shall be pre- 
sented to the Supreme Lodge at its ensuing regular convention. The)com- 
mittee shall examine the books and accounts of the Major General and the 
adjutant general, when directed by the Supreme Chancellor to do so. 
It shall examine and report upon all resolutions and all proposed statutes 
or amendments thereof which involve an expenditure of money from the 
exchequer of the Supreme Lodge. It shall also report estimates for all 
expenditures of money from the exchequer of the Supreme Lodge during 
the ensuing biennial term, together with resolutions making appropria- 
tions therefor. 

36 (6). The committee on credentials shall examine and report upon 
such certificates of past grand chancellors and credentials of Supreme 
Representatives as may be submitted to it by the Supreme Keeper of Re- 
cords and Seal. It shall meet with the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal at least one day prior to the opening of each convention of the Su- 
preme Lodge, and shall be prepared to report upon such certificates and 
credentials immediately upon the opening of the convention. It shall also 
examine and report upon such certificates and credentials as may be 
referred to it by the Supreme Lodge. 

37 (7). The committee on reports shall carefully examine the reports 
from the several grand lodges, and from the subordinate lodges under the 
immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, and shall accompany its report 
thereon by such recommendations relating thereto as it may deem necessary 
or desirable. 

38 (8). The committee on mileage and per diem shall compute the 
mileage and per diem of all those entitled thereto for attendance at any con- 
vention of the Supreme Lodge, and shall make out a complete and correct 
pay roll, reporting in detail the amount to which each person on such pay 
roll is entitled; and no exchequer order shall be drawn for the payment of 
such mileage and per diem until such report shall have been adopted by 
the Supreme Lodge. 

39 (9). The committee on the state of the order shall examine and 
report upon such portions of the reports of the Supreme officers and 
such other matters as may be referred to it, and shall accompany its reports 
by such recommendations relating thereto as it may deem necessary or de- 
sirable. 

40 (10). The committee on written work shall examine and report 
upon such portions of the reports of the Supreme officers or other matters 
relating to the work of the order, not properly of a secret nature, as may be 
referred to it by the Supreme Lodge. 

41 (11). The committee on unwritten work shall examine and report 
upon such portions of the reports of the Supreme officers, or other matters, 



36 



SUPREME 



[Division I, 



as may be referred to it by the Supreme Lodge, including therein all mat- 
ters in consonance and keeping with the name of the committee. 

42 (13). The committee on warrants and charters shall examine and 
report upon such portions of the reports of the Supreme officers as may be 
referred to it. It shall also examine and report as to all warrants for grand 
or subordinate lodges issued by the Supreme Chancellor, and upon all 
applications for charters, with such recommendations as it may deem neces- 
sary and desirable. 

43 (14). The committee on rules shall, from time to time, report such 
rules as it may deem desirable, or as the Supreme Lodge may direct, for the 
conduct of the business of the Supreme Lodge. 

44 (15). The committee on review shall carefully examine the Official 
Record and the daily journal, and call the attention of the Supreme Lodge 
to any unfinished business which it may discover therein. 

45 (16). The committee on Endowment Rank shall examine the 
report of the President of the Board of Control, and such portions of the 
reports of other Supreme officers and other matters as may be referred to 
it, and shall report thereon, and shall recommend such legislation relating 
thereto as it may deem necessary and desirable. 

46 (17). The committee on Uniform Rank shall examine the report 
of the Major General of the Uniform Rank, and such portions of the 
reports of other Supreme officers and other matters as may be referred to 
it, and shall report thereon, and shall recommend such legislation relating 
thereto as it may deem necessary and desirable. 

47 (1). The committee on subdivision and reference shall receive the 
reports of the various Supreme Lodge officers and other reports made in 
accordance with the law of the Supreme Lodge, on or prior to the first day 
of each biennial convention of the Supreme Lodge, and shall subdivide the 
same and refer the different portions thereof to the various committees. 
(1902.) 

48 (18). The Supreme Chancellor, when so directed by the Supreme 
Lodge, shall appoint special committees, whose duties shall be such as may 
be designated or assigned in the legislation by which they are created. 

49 (19, 20). Membership on a standing or special committee shall ter- 
minate, in the case of a Supreme Representative, with the expiration of his 
service as such, unless previous thereto he shall have been elected or ap- 
pointed a Supreme Representative. (1902.) 

50 (21). Any committee of the Supreme Lodge shall hold such meet- 
ings during the recess of the Supreme Lodge as the Supreme Lodge or the 
Supreme Chancellor may direct, and not otherwise. 

51 (22). The standing committees of the Supreme Lodge are hereby 
authorized and empowered to send for persons and to demand papers 
which may be required for the performance of their duties; but special 



Part I.] STATUTES. 37 

committees shall have such power only when specifically so authorized by 
the Supreme Lodge. 

CHAPTER IX. 

GOOD STANDING. 

52 (267). A past grand chancellor, upon whom has been conferred 
the Supreme Lodge rank, shall be considered to be in good standing in the 
Supreme Lodge: 

Par. a (1). If he is in good standing in a subordinate and a grand lodge. 

Par. b (2). If he is not under suspension in the Supreme Lodge. 

Par. c. (3). If the grand lodge of which he is a member is not under 
suspension for any cause, or its charter is not revoked. (1898.) 



CHAPTER X. 

MILEAGE AND PER DIEM. 

53 (87). Past Supreme Chancellors, Supreme Lodge officers, Supreme 
Representatives and members of special committees who are not otherwise 
entitled thereto, shall receive compensation for attendance at conventions 
of the Supreme Lodge, as follows : 

Par,, a (1). For each daily session of the Supreme Lodge, including 
intervening Sundays, and week days upon which by reason of a recess no 
session may be held, and for each day consumed in travelling to and return- 
ing from such convention, a per diem compensation of five dollars; pro- 
vided that no member shall be allowed any per diem compensation after he 
shall have been excused from further attendance. 

Par. b (2). For each mile of distance travelled in going to and return- 
ing from such convention, a mileage compensation of five cents. 

Par. c (3). In computing the mileage compensation, the distance shall 
be reckoned from the actual residence within the grand domain of which 
any person named in this section shall be a member, to the point at which 
the convention of the Supreme Lodge is held, and return therefrom, by the 
shortest practicable route, taking into consideration both the time con- 
sumed and distance travelled. 

Par. d (4). In computing the per diem compensation, one day shall be 
allowed for each four hundred miles or fraction thereof travelled — that is, 
one half day for each two hundred miles, or one fourth day for each one 
hundred miles — reckoning the journey going to the convention and the 
journey returning therefrom as one journey. 

Par. e (5). Members of any committee of the Supreme Lodge shall 
receive, for attendance at any authorized meeting of such committee dur- 
ing the recess of the Supreme Lodge, a per diem and mileage compensation 



38 sui>RKMK [Division I, 

at the same rates per day and per mile respectively, and computed on the 
same basis, as the compensation hereinbefore provided for attendance at 
conventions of the Supreme Lodge. 

Par. f (6). Members of any special committee of the Supreme Lodge, 
who may not be otherwise entitled to compensation therefor, shall receive 
for attendance at the convention of the Supreme Lodge at which the report 
of such committee is to be submitted, and until such report shall be dis- 
posed of and the committee thereby or otherwise discharged, a per diem 
and mileage compensation at the same rates per day and per mile respect- 
ively, and computed on the same basis, as the compensation hereinbefore 
provided for attendance at conventions of the Supreme Lodge. 

54 (88). Supreme Lodge officers, assembled in council as provided by 
the Supreme statutes, shall receive, for attendance at such assembly in 
council, a per diem and mileage compensation at the same rates per day 
and per mile respectively, as the compensation hereinbefore provided for 
attendance at conventions of the Supreme Lodge. 

55 (90). Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to authorize the 
payment to one person of more than one mileage compensation for each 
journey performed, or of more than one per diem compensation for the 
time consumed upon such journey, or to attend a convention of the Su- 
preme Lodge or a meeting of a committee or an assembly in council of the 
officers of the Supreme Lodge. 

CHAPTER XL 

REVENUE. 

56 (26). The revenue of the Supreme Government shall be derived 
from a per capita tax, fees for warrants, the sale of supplies and fines. 
(1898.) 

57 (27). Each grand lodge shall pay to the Supreme Lodge, semi-an- 
nually, on the first days of April and October, each year, such per capita 
tax as may be determined by resolution at each biennial convention of the 
Supreme Lodge, for each member in good standing on the 31st day of 
December next preceding ; provided, that if the tax herein provided for 
shall not be paid at the dates named, a penalty shall be added of one dollar 
per day for every day that shall elapse until the same shall have been paid ; 
provided, also, that until the said per capita tax and the penalty, if any, shall 
have been paid, the grand domain so delinquent shall not be entitled to 
representation in the Supreme Lodge, and the Supreme Chancellor shall in 
his discretion arrest its charter. (1898.) 

58 (28). Immediately after the 30th of June and the 31st day of De- 
cember of each calendar year, every subordinate lodge under the immediate 
control of the Supreme Lodge shall pay to the Supreme Lodge, through its 
District Deputy Supreme Chancellor, twenty-five cents per capita for each 
member on its roster at such dates respectively. 



Part I.] STATUTES. 39 

59 (29). Every application for a warrant to institute a subordinate 
lodge under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge shall be accom- 
panied by a fee of twenty-five dollars. 

GO (30). Every application for a warrant to institute a grand lodge 
shall be accompanied by a fee of one hundred dollars. 

61 (31). All official jewels and the following printed supplies shall be 
obtained only from the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, the Su- 
preme Lodge reserving the exclusive right to provide the same : Charters, 
rituals, installation books, ceremonials, question books, official receipts, 
transfer cards, withdrawal cards, grand lodge cards, second rank blanks, 
orders for S. A. P. W., diplomas, subordinate lodge warrants, Supreme 
constitution and statutes, credentials of honor, decisions of the Supreme 
Tribunal and Official Record. (1902.) 

62 (32). Should any grand lodge, subordinate lodge or individual 
member manufacture for its or his own use, or for the use of another, or 
obtain from any other source than that specified in the preceding section, 
any of the supplies therein enumerated, said grand lodge, subordinate lodge 
or individual member shall be deemed guilty of an offence against the 
order, and punished as hereinafter prescribed. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

63 (33). In case the offender is a grand lodge, or a subordinate lodge 
under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, on being convinced beyond a reasonable doubt of the commission of 
the offence, shall have power to suspend the warrant or charter of said 
grand lodge or subordinate lodge for such length of time as he may deem 
proper. 

64 (34). In case the offender is a subordinate lodge within the domain 
of a grand lodge, the Supreme Chancellor, on being convinced beyond a rea- 
sonable doubt of the commission of the offence, shall have power to direct 
the grand chancellor thereof to suspend the warrant or charter of said 
lodge for such length of time as he may deem proper; and in case of the 
failure or refusal of said grand chancellor to do so, the Supreme Chan- 
cellor may proceed as provided in the preceding section. 

65 (35). In case the offender is an individual member of the order, 
the Supreme Chancellor, on being convinced beyond a reasonable doubt 
of the commission of the offence, shall prefer charges against said individ- 
ual for such offence, before the subordinate lodge of which he is a mem- 
ber, and upon conviction, the penalty shall be suspension or expulsion from 
the order, as the lodge may determine. Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T\, 63. 

66 (36). In case of a violation of the provisions of section 62 by a 
subordinate lodge or an individual member, the grand chancellor may pro- 
ceed of his own motion as prescribed in sections 64 and 65. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 



40 supreme [Division I, 

67 (37). The supplies and printed matter referred to in section 61 shall 
be sold at prices to be fixed by the committee on printing and supplies; 
provided, that the prices for jewels and official receipts shall not exceed 
twenty-five per cent profit upon their actual cost. (1898.) 



CHAPTER XII. 

FUNDS. 

68 (123). The funds of the Supreme Lodge shall not be applied to any 
purpose that is inconsistent with the principles or purposes of the order. 

69 (124). No disbursements of the funds of the Supreme Lodge when 
not in session shall be made, except the same have been regularly appropri- 
ated by the Supreme Lodge. (1898.) 

Seism vs. White, 4 Clark, 44. 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Burns, 5 Clark, 25. 

70 (124a). The form for the appropriation bills for the Supreme Lodge 
shall be substantially as follows: "Be it enacted by the Supreme Lodge 
Knights of Pythias, that the following sums, or so much thereof as may 
be necessary, are hereby appropriated to the funds hereafter expressed, for 
the purpose of defraying the expenses of the Supreme Lodge for the ensu- 
ing two years. The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal is hereby author- 
ized to draw his orders, approved by the Supreme Chancellor, for such 
portions thereof as may be required from time to time to meet the necessary 
requirements : 

"Salary of the Supreme Chancellor, for two years. $ 

"Clerical assistance for Supreme Chancellor, at 

actual cost, and not to exceed, for two years. . $ 

"Office rent at actual cost, and not to exceed, for 

two years $ 

"Postage, telephone, telegrams, expressage, re- 
moval of furniture, at actual cost, and not to 
exceed, for two years $ 

"Travelling expenses of Supreme Chancellor, at 

actual cost, and not to exceed, for two years. $ 

"Salary of Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, 

for two years $ 

"Clerical assistance for Supreme Keeper of Re- 
cords and Seal, at actual cost, and not to ex- 
ceed, for two years $ 

"Office rent, heating, lighting, telephone, postage, 
packing boxes, wrapping paper and other inci- 
dentals, at actual cost, and not to exceed, for 
two years $ 



Part I.] STATUTES. 41 

"Travelling expenses of Supreme Keeper of Re- 
cords and Seal, at actual cost, and not to ex- 
ceed, for two years $ 

"Salary of Supreme Master of Exchequer, for 

two years $ 

"Travelling expenses of Supreme Master of Ex- 
chequer, at actual cost and not to exceed, for 
two years $ 

"Expenses of Supreme Tribunal, for two years. . $ 

"Official Record, at actual cost, and not to exceed $ 

"Stationery, printing and supplies for Supreme 
Lodge officers, at actual cost, and not to ex- 
ceed, for two years $ 

"Travelling expenses of committee on finance, at 

actual cost, and not to exceed, for two years. . $ 

"Travelling expenses of committee on printing 
and supplies, at actual cost, and not to exceed, 
for two years $ 

"Allowance to Daughters of Founder, for two 

years $ 

"Past Supreme Chancellor's jewel $ 

"To defray the expenses of next biennial conven- 
tion $ 

"Contingent fund for Supreme Chancellor in 

case of emergency $ " (1898.) 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Burns, 5 Clark, 25. 

71 (124.fr). No money appropriated by the Supreme Lodge for a spe- 
cific purpose shall be used for any other purpose, and no exchequer order 
shall be drawn for any purpose in excess of the amount remaining in such 
appropriated fund. ( 1898.) Supreme Lod^e, ex rel., vs. Burns, 5 Clark, 25. 

72 (124c). All bills and claims against the Supreme Lodge shall be 
made out on blank forms to be furnished by the Supreme Keeper of Re- 
cords and Seal, and filed with that officer, who shall forward to the com- 
mittee on finance, on the 10th day of each month, all bills and claims thus 
filed with him. It shall be the duty of said committee to audit such bills 
and claims, and to return them, approved or disapproved, to the Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal as soon as practicable; and that officer shall 
immediately thereafter issue exchequer orders in payment of such bills 
and claims as shall have been approved by the committee on finance, unless 
in his judgment the same shall be clearly illegal; and he shall in no case 
issue an exchequer order in payment of any bill or claim which shall not 
have been so approved. ( 1902. ) Supreme Lodge , ex re L, vs. Burns, 5 Clark, 25. 



42 SUPREME [Division I, 



CHAPTER XIII. 

PRINTING AND SUPPLIES. 

73 (119). The Supreme Chancellor, the Supreme Vice Chancellor and 
the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, ex officio, shall constitute a com- 
mittee to be known and designated as the committee on printing and sup- 
plies. (1898.) 

74 (120). The committee on printing and supplies shall have general 
and supervisory charge of the purchase of all supplies for the use of the 
Supreme Lodge, of all matters relating to the printing or binding of the 
Official Record, daily journals, rituals, ceremonies of the order, printed 
supplies, books or other printed matter, and of the manufacture or purchase 
of all official jewels used by the Supreme Lodge or sold as supplies. (1902.) 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Burns, 5 Clark, 25. 

75 (121). The purchase of all supplies and printed matter enumerated 
in the preceding section shall be done by contract, and it shall be the duty 
of the committee on printing and supplies to invite and receive proposals 
from reputable manufacturers and printing establishments in the country, 
and adopt such other methods as it may deem necessary in order to secure 
advantageous terms for the purchase of such supplies or printed matter. 
When bids are invited, specimens of the supplies required, or specifica- 
tions fully describing the same, except when said supplies are of a secret 
nature, shall be submitted by the committee to at least six reputable print- 
ing establishments in the country, and to as many others as may desire to 
bid upon the same. (1898.) 

76 (122). The proposals for the printing or manufacture of supplies, 
as referred to in the preceding section, shall be sealed and sent by the 
bidders to the Supreme Chancellor, who shall be ex officio chairman of 
the committee, who, as soon as practicable, shall call a meeting of the 
committee on printing and supplies, before whom the said sealed bids 
shall be opened and the contracts so awarded as in the judgment of the 
committee shall be deemed for the best interest of the Supreme Lodge. 
Said sealed bids shall not be opened nor the contract awarded unless 
there are present two members of such committee. All such bids and 
contracts shall be preserved and submitted to the Supreme Lodge, 
together with the report in detail of such committee, for inspection. (1898.) 

77 (122a). Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to 
apply to the printing of circulars, orders or other printing incidental to the 
carrying on of the official business of the Supreme Lodge officers. (1898.) 

78 (126a). A printed copy of each of the reports of Supreme Lodge 
officers which are required by law to be submitted to the Supreme Lodge 
shall be forwarded by mail to every member of that body, so as to reach 
him at least ten days before the date fixed for the opening of the ensuing 
biennial convention. (1902.) 



Part II.] STATUTES. 43 

79 (359). The Board of Control of the Endowment Rank shall reim- 
burse the Supreme Lodge for the amount paid by it for the printing of the 
matter relating to the Endowment Rank that appears in the daily journal, 
the Supreme Lodge, the Official Record of the Supreme Lodge, the Su- 
preme constitution and the Supreme statutes. The amount expended by the 
Supreme Lodge on this account shall be ascertained and reported by its 
committee on printing and supplies. 



PART II. 

THE EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 
CHAPTER I. 

OFFICIAL SUCCESSION. 

SO (50). In the case of a vacancy in the office of Supreme Chancellor, 
caused by the death, resignation or removal from office of the incumbent 
as provided by law, the duties of the office shall immediately devolve upon 
the Supreme Vice Chancellor, who shall act as Supreme Chancellor for the 
remainder of the current biennial term, and until the said office shall have 
been duly filled by election and installation at the ensuing regular conven- 
tion of the Supreme Lodge. 

81 (51). While acting as Supreme Chancellor, in case of a vacancy 
in said office, the Supreme Vice Chancellor shallbe known as and styled 
"Supreme Chancellor ad interim" and shall be entitled during the period of 
such service to all the honors, benefits, privileges, salary and emoluments 
of such office; and upon the completion of the term of service, as herein- 
before provided, he shall be entitled to the honor of Past Supreme Chan- 
cellor; provided that, in case such vacancy in the office of Supreme Chan- 
cellor shall have been caused by removal from said office, such honor shall 
not be so attained, unless such vacancy shall have occurred at least sixty 
days prior to and exclusive of the date fixed by the Supreme Lodge for its 
ensuing biennial convention. 

82 (52). While acting as and discharging the duties of Supreme Chan- 
cellor, during the temporary absence or disability of the incumbent of such 
office, the Supreme Vice Chancellor shall be known as and styled "Su- 
preme Chancellor pro tempore." 

S3 (53). Within ten days from the time a vacancy shall have been 
caused by the death, resignation or removal from office of the Supreme 
Chancellor, the Supreme Chancellor ad interim shall appoint a Supreme 
Representative to the office of Supreme Vice Chancellor, and shall,, prior 
to the ensuing convention of the Supreme Lodge, install such officer. 

84 (54). If, in case of the death, resignation, impeachment or removal 
from office of the Supreme Chancellor, a vacancy should exist in the office 



44 supreme [Division I, 

of Supreme Vice Chancellor, caused by the death, resignation or removal 
from office of the incumbent of such office, or in case of the death of the 
Supreme Vice Chancellor before entering upon the duties of Supreme 
Chancellor, then, and in such case, the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal shall forthwith notify each officer of the Supreme Lodge of the exist- 
ence of such vacancies in the offices of Supreme Chancellor and Supreme 
Vice Chancellor, and shall appoint a time and place at which such officers 
shall assemble in council. The place selected for such council shall be so 
situated that it may be reached before the date fixed for the assembly by a 
majority of the said officers in not more than three days' continuous travel 
by the ordinary modes of conveyance, and the time selected shall be not 
more than ten days subsequent to the date upon which the vacancy in the 
office of Supreme Vice Chancellor shall have occurred. 

85 (55). The officers of the Supreme Lodge, when assembled in coun- 
cil as hereinbefore provided, shall choose one of their number for chair- 
man, and the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall be ex officio sec- 
retary. If six officers or more be present, they shall elect, from the Su- 
preme Representatives upon whom has been conferred the Supreme Lodge 
rank, one to be Supreme Chancellor and one to be Supreme Vice Chancel- 
lor. Such election shall be by ballot, and a majority of the votes of those 
present shall be necessary to an election. 

86 (56). The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall notify each 
officer elect of his election within one day thereafter ; and if, within twenty 
days from the date of his election, such officer shall be installed by the 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, or by any officer of the Supreme 
Lodge in the presence of the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, he shall 
forthwith enter upon the duties of the office to which he may have been 
elected. But if such officer elect shall not within the time named for install- 
ation be duly installed, then the office to which he was elected shall be 
deemed to be vacant, and such vacancy shall be filled as provided by this 
chapter. 

CHAPTER II. 

SEAL. 

87 (99). The official seal of the Supreme Chancellor shall be in accord- 
ance with the following design, and shall be kept in the custody of the Su- 




preme Chancellor, and shall be used by him in authenticating such docu- 
ments as require only his official signature. 



Part II.] statutes. 45 

CHAPTER III. 

DISPENSATIONS. 

88 (91). The Supreme Chancellor shall have power to grant dispensa- 
tions to subordinate lodges under the immediate control of the Supreme 
Lodge, as follows: 

Par. a (1). For application for membership by a person over fifty years 
of age. 

Par. b (2). For application for membership by a maimed person. 

Par. c (3). For conferring two or more of the ranks of knighthood 
upon the same person at the same convention of a subordinate lodge. 

Par. d (4). For ballotting upon an application for the ranks of knight- 
hood at the same convention of the subordinate lodge at which it was 
received. 



CHAPTER IV. 

DEPUTY SUPREME CHANCELLORS. 

89 (92). A Deputy Supreme Chancellor shall be deemed the repre- 
sentative of the Supreme Chancellor, and may be appointed or removed by 
him at his discretion and pleasure. He shall be subject at all times to the 
instructions and control of the Supreme Chancellor, and shall be responsible 
to him for the manner in which his duties are discharged. 

90 (93). Every Deputy Supreme Chancellor shall receive from the 
Supreme Chancellor a commission, under his official seal, and the powers 
and duties of any Deputy Supreme Chancellor shall be as set forth in such 
commission, and not otherwise. Such commission, unless sooner revoked, 
shall expire by its own limitation, or with the term of office of the Supreme 
Chancellor issuing the same. 

91 (94). A Deputy Supreme Chancellor shall not be permitted to dele- 
gate or transfer the powers and duties conferred by his commission, nor 
any of them, to any other person or persons whomsoever. 

92 (95). A Deputy Supreme Chancellor, who may be placed in charge 
of territory under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, shall be 
known as a District Deputy Supreme Chancellor, and may be commissioned 
by the Supreme Chancellor to do or perform any act which might be done 
or performed by the Supreme Chancellor within such territory. 

93 (96). A District Deputy Supreme Chancellor may nominate and 
recommend to the Supreme Chancellor such past chancellors as he may 
select for appointment as installing officers; and, if approved by the Su- 
preme Chancellor, they shall be commissioned for the sole purpose of in- 
stalling the officers of lodges to which they may be assigned. 



46 SUPREME [Division I, 

94 (97) Every person who may be appointed Deputy Supreme Chan- 
cellor or installing officer, under the provisions of this chapter, shall file 
with the Supreme Chancellor a certificate from the master of finance of 
his subordinate lodge that all dues, fines and assessments charged against 
him in such lodge at the commencement of the then current semi-annual 
term have been fully paid; and no commission shall issue to any such 
deputy or installing officer until such certificate shall have been filed with 
the Supreme Chancellor. Every Deputy Supreme Chancellor and install- 
ing officer, duly commissioned as such, shall file with the Supreme Chan- 
cellor, at least thirty days prior to the commencement of each semi- 
annual term, a similar certificate that all dues, fines and assessments 
chargeable against him, to the commencement of such next semi-annual 
term, have been fully paid; and unless such certificate shall have been so 
filed, the commission of such deputy or installing officer shall thereupon 
become null and void. 



PART III. 

THE JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 



CHAPTER I. 

COMPOSITION. 

95 (127). The Supreme Tribunal shall consist of three Tribunes, any 
two of whom shall constitute a quorum. The concurrence of two shall be 
necessary to a decision. No two Tribunes shall be nominated from the 
same grand domain, to serve at the same time. Tribunes shall be com- 
missioned by the Supreme Chancellor. The Tribunes shall select one of 
their number, who shall preside as Chief Tribune. (1900.) 

96 (128). The Associate Tribunes shall have precedence according to 
the dates of their commissions, or, when the commissions of two or more 
of them bear the same date, according to their ages. 

97 (129). In case of a vacancy in the office of Chief Tribune, or of 
his inability for any reason to perform its duties, they shall devolve upon 
the Associate Tribune who is first in precedence, until such disability is 
removed, or another Chief Tribune is duly qualified. This provision shall 
apply to every Associate Tribune who succeeds to the office of Chief 
Tribune. 



Part III.] statutes. 47 

98 (130). Each Tribune, before entering upon the discharge of the 
duties of his position, shall take and subscribe the following obligation : 
"I [name] do solemnly pledge my knightly honor that I will support 
the Supreme constitution of the order of Knights of Pythias, and that I 
will discharge the duties of Supreme Tribune, without prejudice or partial- 
ity, and to the best of my ability. So help me God." The Supreme Prelate 
shall administer the obligation to one of the three Tribunes first selected, 
and this Tribune when so obligated shall administer said obligation to his 
associates. The Chief Tribune shall administer the obligation to each 
Tribune thereafter chosen. (1900.) 

99 (100). The Supreme Tribunal shall have an official seal, which shall 
bear the words, Supreme Tribunal, Knights of Pythias, encircling a repre- 
sentation of the scales of justice with a sword lying across the scales and 
evenly balancing them. Said seal shall be kept in the custody of the Re- 
corder of the Tribunal, and shall be used by him in authenticating such 
documents as require his official attestation. 

100 (131). The Supreme Tribunal shall appoint a Recorder and a 
Marshal for said Tribunal. The duties of Marshal shall devolve upon the 
Recorder so long as the Tribunal shall so elect, or until otherwise pro- 
vided by law. 

101 (132). It shall be the duty of the Recorder to attend upon the 
Tribunal at its sittings, issue its processes, and keep a full and correct 
record of all the proceedings of said Tribunal. It shall be the duty of the 
Marshal to execute all processes and orders issuing from the Supreme Tri- 
bunal, or made by the Chief Tribune or an Associate Tribune, in pursuance 
of law; and to take charge of all property of the Supreme Government 
used by the Tribunal or its members. 

102 (133). The Supreme Tribunal shall select from among its mem- 
bers a Reporter of its decisions. Supreme Lodge, ex reL, vs. Burns, 5 Clark, 25. 

103 (134). The Reporter shall compile the decisions of the Supreme 
Tribunal for each year, and shall prepare the same for printing and 
publication within thirty days from the end of each year. When the 
decisions have been so compiled and prepared, the Reporter shall at 
once deliver the manuscript to the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, 
who shall within thirty days after the delivery thereof to him cause to be 
published in book form not less than five hundred copies of said reports, 
to be sold as other supplies. Copies of said reports when published shall 
be distributed free of cost by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal as 
follows: To the Supreme Chancellor, the members and Recorder of the 
Supreme Tribunal, and the members of the committee on judiciary, each 
one copy. The copy received by the Recorder shall be kept in his office 
for the use of the Supreme Tribunal. (1900.) 

Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. Burns, 5 Clark, 25. 



48 SUPRKmk [Division I, 

CHAPTER II. 

SUPREME TRIBUNES. 

104 (135). The Supreme Chancellor shall, prior to the close of the 
convention of 1902, nominate three persons to be Supreme Tribunes from 
date of confirmation, one to hold office till December 31, 1902, one till De- 
cember 31, 1904, and one till December 31, 1906. The Supreme Lodge shall 
act upon such nominations prior to its close, when, if any nomination 
shall fail of confirmation by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the 
members of the Supreme Lodge entitled to vote, the Supreme Chancellor 
shall nominate and continue to nominate until three nominees shall have 
been confirmed by the Supreme Lodge. (1902.) 

105 (136). At each succeeding biennial convention, the Supreme 
Chancellor shall nominate one person to be Supreme Tribune for the term 
of six years from the first day of January in the year succeeding such con- 
vention. Such nomination shall be subject to the confirmation of the Su- 
preme Lodge in the manner provided in the preceding section. (1902.) 

106 (137). Should there be a vacancy in the membership of the Su- 
preme Tribunal during the recess of the Supreme Lodge, the Supreme 
Chancellor shall fill such vacancy by the appointment of a past grand 
chancellor in good standing, who shall hold said office until the next con- 
vention of the Supreme Lodge. (1902.) 

107 (137a). From and after the appointment and confirmation of 
three Supreme Tribunes as provided in this chapter, the term of office of all 
Supreme Tribunes appointed prior to the passage of this amendment shall 
cease and terminate by operation of law. (1902.) 

CHAPTER III. 

SITTINGS. 

108 (138). The Supreme Tribunal shall hold at least one and not ex- 
ceeding two sittings in each year, which sittings shall be held at the city of 
Indianapolis, Indiana; provided that one of the sittings held in the year 
of the convention of the Supreme Lodge shall be held at the same time 
and place as such convention of the Supreme Lodge, giving due notice 
of such sittings ; and provided, further, that in case of charges being pre- 
ferred by the Supreme Chancellor, as provided in section 499, then it shall 
be the duty of the Chief Tribune to convene the Tribunal in special ses- 
sion, for the trial of such charges, at such time and place as he may deem 
most expedient, having consideration for the convenience of all persons 
concerned. (1896.) 

109 Ci39)- If, at any sitting, a quorum does not attend on the day 
appointed for holding it, the Tribunes who do attend, or the Recorder, may 
adjourn from day to day for five days after said appointed time, unless a 



Part III.] STATUTES. 49 

quorum shall sooner appear. If a quorum does not attend within the five 
days, the Tribunes attending may, within said five days, make all necessary 
orders in any matter or proceeding pending in or returned to said Supreme 
Tribunal preparatory to the hearing and decision thereof, and may fix the 
time and place for the next sitting of the Supreme Tribunal, and continue 
the business of the Supreme Tribunal over till the sitting so appointed; 
and if, during a sitting, after a quorum has assembled, less than a quorum 
attend on any day, the Tribunes in attendance may adjourn from day to 
day until a quorum appears, or may appoint a time and place for the next 
sitting and adjourn accordingly. 

110 (140). The Supreme Tribunal shall have power and authority to 
arrange for a suitable room in which to hold the sittings of said Tribunal, 
the expense incurred therefor to be paid for out of the proper fund pro- 
vided or appropriated by the Supreme Lodge. 

111 (89). Members and the Recorder of the Supreme Tribunal shall 
receive, for attendance at any sitting thereof, when duly held as provided 
by law, a per diem and mileage compensation at the rates of five dollars per 
day and five cents per mile, respectively, and computed on the same basis 
as the compensation hereinbefore provided for attendance at conventions 
of the Supreme Lodge. The Recorder shall certify in writing the amount 
of mileage and per diem to which each is entitled under the provisions of 
this section, from time to time, and shall file such certificate with the Su- 
preme Keeper of Records and Seal, whereupon the amount so certified shall 
be paid out of the general fund of the Supreme Lodge. 

CHAPTER IV. 

JUDGMENTS AND DECREES. 

112 (141). The judgments and decrees of the Supreme Tribunal shall 
be binding upon all the parties thereto. 

113 (142). Should any party to a judgment or decree of the Supreme 
Tribunal fail or refuse to abide by and perform the same, the Supreme 
Chancellor shall prefer charges, or cause the same to be preferred, against 
such party. If the party so charged be an officer or member of the order, 
the same shall be preferred in the subordinate lodge of which he is a mem- 
ber; if a subordinate lodge, the charges shall be preferred in the grand 
lodge having jurisdiction of such lodge or in its grand tribunal, when it 
has one ; if a subordinate lodge under the immediate control of the Supreme 
Lodge, or a grand lodge, the charges shall be preferred in the Supreme 
Lodge; and in all cases the Supreme Chancellor shall prosecute the same 
to a final hearing. Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

114 (143). If any officer, member or lodge, grand or subordinate, 
shall unlawfully interfere with, resist or obstruct the due execution or en- 
forcement of a judgment or decree of the Supreme Tribunal, or aid or abet 

4 



50 supreme [Division I, 

another in the commission of such offence, the Supreme Chancellor shall 
prefer charges, or cause the same to be preferred, against him or it, and 
prosecute the same to a hearing. If the party charged be an officer or 
member, the charges shall be preferred in his subordinate lodge; if a 
subordinate lodge, in the grand lodge having jurisdiction over such lodge 
or in its grand tribunal, if it has one; if a grand lodge, or a subordinate 
lodge under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, the charges shall 
be preferred in the Supreme Lodge. Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

115 (144). If any officer, member or lodge, grand or subordinate, 
after conviction upon a proceeding in the Supreme Tribunal for contempt, 
shall fail to purge himself or itself of such contempt, or fail or refuse to 
abide by and perform the judgment in such proceeding, the Supreme 
Chancellor shall prefer charges, or cause the same to be preferred, against 
the party so offending, and prosecute the same to a hearing. If the party 
charged be an officer or a member, the charges shall be preferred in the 
subordinate lodge of which he is a member; if a subordinate lodge, in the 
grand lodge having jurisdiction of such lodge or in its grand tribunal, if it 
has one; if a grand lodge, or a subordinate lodge under the immediate con- 
trol of the Supreme Lodge, the charges shall be preferred in the Supreme 
Lod S e - Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

116 (145). In all cases, either party may be represented by counsel 
of his own selection, who shall be members of the order in good standing. 

117 (146). In all cases, the charges preferred shall be in writing, and 
shall specify clearly and concisely the offence charged and in what it con- 
sists, with reasonable detail as to time, place and circumstances. A cor- 
rect copy thereof shall be furnished the accused, and reasonable time given 
in which to prepare for defence. If a subordinate lodge, the copy shall be 
furnished the chancellor commander ; if a grand lodge, its grand chancellor. 
In any case, the copy may be furnished by actual delivery to the accused, 
or by registered mail to the last known address of the party entitled 
thereto. 

118 (147). Depositions of witnesses may be taken upon twenty days' 
notice of the time and place of the taking thereof given to the adverse 
party. Notice to a subordinate lodge shall be'served on its chancellor com- 
mander; notice to a grand lodge upon its grand chancellor; notice to the 
Supreme Chancellor may be served upon him, or upon the person through 
whom he has caused the charges to be preferred, or upon the agent or attor- 
ney who represents the prosecution. Notice in any case may be by personal 
service, or by registered mail to the last known address of the party en- 
titled thereto. 

119 (148). On the trial of such charges preferred in subordinate 
lodges or in grand lodges, the procedure shall be the same as that provided 
for on the trial of cases in such tribunal involving like penalties. On the 
trial of charges preferred in the Supreme Lodge, the procedure shall be 



Part III.] STATUTES. 51 

the same as that pursued on the trial of other cases involving forfeiture of 
the charter of a grand lodge. Fethers vs< B ouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

120 (149). The penalties imposed upon any parties convicted under 
the provisions of this chapter shall be as prescribed in sections 509 and 
510, Supreme Statutes. Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

121 (150). The provisions of this chapter shall not be construed to 
restrict in any way the right of any aggrieved member of the order to 
prefer and prosecute charges for any of the offences herein enumerated. 

122 (151). From any final judgment in any of the cases provided for 
in the foregoing sections, either party shall have the right of appeal. 



CHAPTER V. 

ORIGINAL AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION. 

123 (170). The Supreme Tribunal shall have exclusive jurisdiction 
of all controversies between grand lodges. It shall have original but not 
exclusive jurisdiction, as provided in article ix, section 13, paragraph b, 
of the Supreme constitution. 

124 (171). Whenever any member or body of the order may consider 
.himself or itself entitled to relief which the Supreme Tribunal is authorized 
to give under the constitution and laws of the order, he or it shall make 
a statement in writing, addressed to the Supreme Tribunal, setting forth 
the facts of the case and stating the relief asked for and the names of all 
parties who may be interested in the subject matter. Such statement, if 
made by a member, shall be verified by the pledge of honor of the party 
making it, to the effect that he believes that the statements therein made 
are true and accurate. If it be made on behalf of any body of the order, 
it shall be authenticated by the seal of such body and by the signatures of 
its presiding and clerical officers. 

125 (172). Said statement shall be filed with the Recorder of the Su- 
preme Tribunal, who, without unnecessary delay, shall send a copy thereof, 
attested by him, to each person or Pythian body designated as a party de- 
fendant, together with a written notice that twenty days thereafter the 
cause therein described will be entered upon the docket of the Supreme 
Tribunal. 

126 (173). On the day indicated in said notice, the Recorder shall 
enter said cause upon the docket of the Supreme Tribunal, and it shall 
thereafter be ready for hearing, except as hereinafter provided. If the 
parties defendant, or any of them, file answer to said complaint on or before 
that time, the Recorder shall forthwith send copies of such answer by reg- 
istered mail to the parties complainant, and twenty days after receipt there- 



52 supreme [Division I, 

of either party may proceed to take evidence. No deposition shall be read 
in evidence on the hearing of any cause which shall not have been taken 
before a past chancellor of the order, after reasonable notice to the adverse 
parties of the time and place of taking the same. The notice required by 
this statute shall be transmitted by registered letter, mailed to the last 
known address of the party to be affected. 

127 (174) The Supreme Tribunal shall have power to prescribe from 
time to time, and in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the 
order, the forms of writ and other processes, the modes of framing and 
filing proceedings and pleadings, of taking and obtaining evidence, of 
drawing up, entering and enrolling its decrees and judgments, and gen- 
erally to regulate the whole practice to be used by it. 

128 (175). All writs and processes issuing from the Supreme Tribunal 
shall be under the seal thereof and signed by its Recorder, and shall be 
attested of the date of issue thereof, and shall be served and returned in 
such manner as said Tribunal may prescribe by its rules and regulations, 
or as shall be provided by law. 

129 (176). When causes of a like nature or relating to the same ques- 
tion are pending before the Supreme Tribunal, it may make such orders and 
rules concerning proceedings therein as will best avoid unnecessary costs 
or delay in the administration of justice, and by consent of the parties may 
consolidate such causes when it appears proper to do so. 

130 (177). For good cause shown, the Supreme Tribunal may allow 
amendments of the proceedings in causes pending before it, either in the 
pleadings or by the introduction of new parties, upon such conditions and 
under such restrictions as it may provide in its rules of procedure, or 
whenever it may be made to appear that the ends of justice require it. It 
may also, upon good cause shown, permit parties other than those already 
parties to the record to intervene and become parties thereto, upon it being 
made satisfactorily to appear that they are substantially interested in the 
subject matter of the controversy. 

131 (178). No judgment shall be taken or decree entered by default 
within less than twenty days after it shall have been docketed in the Su- 
preme Tribunal. After the cause shall have been docketed therein for 
twent> days, if the person or body complained of shall not have appeared 
and defended, the Supreme Tribunal shall proceed as if the complaint or the 
facts alleged in the petition were admitted; provided, however, that upon 
good cause shown, the Supreme Tribunal may extend the time for defence 
against the complaint; or, after judgment or decree entered by default, 
upon good cause shown and upon terms fixed by it, may set aside such 
judgment or decree and reopen it for proof, and upon the hearing thereof 
render such judgment as to it may appear of right. 



Part III.] STATUTES. 53 

CHAPTER VI. 

APPELLATE JURISDICTION. 

132 (152). Appeals, both as to law and fact, shall be allowed to the 
Supreme Tribunal from all final judgments or decrees of any grand lodge 
or grand tribunal, or of a subordinate lodge under the immediate control of 
the Supreme Lodge; or from any final order, decision or decree of any 
grand chancellor from which an appeal does not lie to his grand lodge ; or 
from any order affecting the rights of any party, made after a final decision 

or decree. California Lodge, No. 1, vs. G. L. California, 1 Clark, 10. 

Spearing vs. G. L. Louisiana, 2 Clark, 44. 

Merrimack Lodge, No. 4. vs. G. L. New Hampshire, 3 Clark, 30. 
Samuels vs. Live Oak Lodge, No. 17, 3 Clark, 42. 
California Lodge, No. 1. vs. Springer, 3 Clark, 70. 

133 (153). Upon the appeal of any case, a complete authenticated 
transcript of the record shall be made, including the evidence, and such 
entries and papers on file as may be necessary on the hearing of the appeal, 
and the same shall be transmitted to the Supreme Tribunal by the officer 
having the original record in his custody and control, within thirty days 
after the appeal is granted; provided that either the tribunal below or the 
Supreme Tribunal may order any original document or other evidence to be 
sent up, in addition to the copy of the record, or in lieu of a copy of a part 
thereof, and on such appeals no new evidence shall be received by the Su- 
preme Tribunal. 

134 (154). No judgment, decree, decision or order shall be reviewed 
on appeal in the Supreme Tribunal, unless such appeal be taken within 
sixty days after the making or entry of such final judgment, decision, de- 
cree or order; provided that, where a party entitled to appeal is an infant, 
an insane person or imprisoned, such appeal may be taken within sixty 
days after the judgment, decision, decree or order, exclusive of the term of 
such disability ; and provided further that the tribunal rendering the order, 
judgment or decree appealed from, if applied to during the term at which 
the same was rendered, may for good cause shown extend the time for tak- 
ing the appeal for such period as in its judgment the ends of justice re- 
quire. Spearing vs. G. L. Louisiana, 2 Clark, 44. 

Kline vs. Sampson Lodge, No. 67, 6 S. T., 32. 

135 (155). All final judgments, decisions, orders or decrees from 
which an appeal would lie may be reexamined and modified, reversed or 
affirmed in the Supreme Tribunal, upon a writ of error. 

California Lodge, No. 1, vs. G. L. California, 1 Clark, 10. 
California Lodge, No. 1, vs. McGowan, 1 Clark, 15. 

136 (156). To remove a cause to the Supreme Tribunal on writ of 
error, the party complaining shall file with the Recorder of the Supreme 
Tribunal an authenticated transcript of the whole record, together with an 
assignment in writing of the errors complained of, with a prayer for the 
relief desired. He shall give the adverse party twenty days' notice of the 



54 supreme [Division I, 

time and place of filing the same, and the notice thus served shall be in 
lieu of any further citation of the party upon whom it is served, and no 
writ of error need actually issue unless otherwise ordered by the Supreme 
Tribunal. Said assignment of errors and notice duly served upon the ad- 
verse party shall be annexed to the authenticated transcript, and shall be a 
necessary part of the record upon which the Supreme Tribunal may re- 
examine the cause removed thereto upon writ of error. 

Kline vs. Sampson Lodge, No. 67, 6 S. T., 32. 

137 (157). No judgment, decision, decree or order shall be reviewed 
in the Supreme Tribunal on writ of error, unless the application therefor 
is made within six months after the making or entry of said judgment, 
decision, decree or order; provided that, where a party entitled to prose- 
cute a writ of error is an infant, insane person or imprisoned, such writ 
may be prosecuted within six months after the judgment, decision, decree 
or order, exclusive of the term of such disability. 

138 (158). The Supreme Tribunal may at any time, in its discretion 
and upon such terms as it may deem just, allow an amendment of the pro- 
ceedings whereby any cause is sought to be removed to the Supreme Tri- 
bunal by appeal or writ of error, if, in its judgment, the ends of justice 
require it. 

139 (159) Upon the institution of proceedings in the Supreme Tri- 
bunal by writ of error, any member of the Supreme Tribunal may at cham- 
bers supersede the judgment, decision, decree or order complained of, if, 
upon examination of the transcript of the record and assignment of errors, 
he is of opinion that the ends of justice will be best subserved thereby. 
His order directing that the proceeding shall operate as a supersedeas shall 
be in writing, and the party complaining shall at once give the adverse 
party written notice of such order, accompanied with a certified copy of 
the order. 

140 (160). The Supreme Tribunal may affirm, modify or reverse any 
judgment, decision, decree or order lawfully brought before it for review, 
or it may direct such further proceedings to be had by the inferior tribunal 
from which it came, as the justice of the case may require; or it may grant 
a new trial and remand the cause in such cases as it may deem necessary 
and proper. 

141 (161). The Supreme Tribunal, for good cause shown, shall have 
the power to grant a rehearing of any matter determined by it. 

142 (162). The Supreme Tribunal shall have power to issue all writs 
which may be necessary for the exercise of its jurisdiction, and to pre- 
scribe the forms of such writs and other process, and the mode of framing 
and filing proceedings and pleadings, taking and obtaining testimony, enter- 
ing and enrolling decrees, and generally to regulate the whole practice in 
the Supreme Tribunal. 



Part III.] STATUTES. 55 

143 (163). In all cases pending in the Supreme Tribunal, the parties 
may plead and manage their own cases personally, or by the assistance of 
such counsel as by the rules of the Supreme Tribunal are permitted to con- 
duct causes therein. 

144 (164). When any cause has been removed to the Supreme Tribu- 
nal, and the record filed therein, or any part thereof has been lost, mislaid 
or destroyed, the same may be supplied, by order of the Supreme Tribunal 
authorizing it to be supplied, by a duly certified copy of the original record, 
when the same can be obtained. If this can not be done, then the Supreme 
Tribunal may authorize it to be supplied in substance and effect from the 
best evidence obtainable. 

145 (165). If in any case the transcript of the record filed in the Su- 
preme Tribunal is not correct, or not full and complete, either party may 
suggest a diminution of the record, and ask the Supreme Tribunal for a 
certiorari directed to the tribunal below, to send up a more perfect record. 
Such suggestion must be supported by affidavit, stating the defect, unless 
it is apparent on the face of the record. 

146 (166). The Supreme Tribunal, in its discretion, may, at any time 
and upon such terms as it deems just, allow an amendment of any process 
returnable before it, when the defect has not prejudiced and the amend- 
ment will not injure the party against whom such process issues. 

147 (167). The Supreme Tribunal shall have power to impose and 
administer all necessary obligations, and to punish by fine contempts of its 
authority; provided that such power to punish contempts shall not be con- 
strued to extend to any cases except misbehavior in the presence of the 
Supreme Tribunal, or so near thereto as to obstruct its business, the mis- 
behavior of any of the officers of the Supreme Tribunal in their official 
transactions, and the disobedience or resistance by any such officer, or by 
any party, witness or counsel, or other person, to any lawful writ, process, 
order, rule, decree or command of the Supreme Tribunal. 

148 (168). The Supreme Tribunal may prescribe the forms of process 
and the methods of framing and filing proceedings and pleadings, taking 
testimony, entering decrees and collecting fines, and shall have full power 
to regulate its practice in all proceedings for contempt and the punishment 
thereof. 

149 (169). The fines imposed in such cases, when collected, shall be 
paid into the treasury of the Supreme Lodge by the Recorder of the Su- 
preme Tribunal, within ten days after the adjournment of the Supreme 
Tribunal. 



56 supreme [Division II, 

i 

DIVISION II. 

GRAND LODGES. 
PART I. 

ORGANIZATION. 
CHAPTER I. 

INSTITUTION. 

150 (182). Whenever ten or more subordinate lodges exist in any- 
state, territory, province or similar political division in which no grand 
lodge exists, such subordinate lodges may petition the Supreme Chancellor 
for the institution of a grand lodge. Each petition shall be under seal of 
the subordinate lodge, signed by the chancellor commander and attested by 
the keeper of records and seal thereof, and shall be forwarded to the Su- 
preme Chancellor through the District Deputy Supreme Chancellor in 
charge of such lodges. If ten or more subordinate lodges so petition, and 
the Supreme Chancellor determine to grant a warrant for the institution of 
such grand lodge, he shall cause the same to be issued by the Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal, in form as follows : 

SUPREME LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

To all whom it may concern: 

Know ye that I, , Supreme Chancellor of 

the order of Knights of Pythias, hereunto duly authorized by the 
Supreme law, upon petition of the following named subordinate lodges, 
to-wit : [names, numbers and locations of lodges] do hereby grant unto the 
past chancellors in good standing in said lodges, upon whom the grand 
lodge rank may have been or shall be conferred, this warrant, instituting 
and establishing them and their associates and successors as "The Grand 

Lodge Knights of Pythias of ," within and for the [here 

state the territory to be included in the domain], which shall be the do- 
main of such grand lodge. 

The grand lodge established under this warrant is hereby invested with 
all the rights and powers, and charged with all the duties and obligations, 
conferred and imposed upon grand lodges by the Supreme law of the order. 

This warrant may be suspended by the Supreme Chancellor, or sus- 
pended or revoked by the Supreme Lodge, in the manner provided by Su- 



Part I.] STATUTES. 57 

preme law; but unless so suspended or revoked, it shall be valid until 
vacated by the issue of a charter in lieu thereof. 

In witness whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the Supreme Lodge 
to be hereto affixed, and my signature to be attested by the Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal, this day of , 190 , 

P. P. :. 



SEAL OF 

SUPREME 

LODGE. 



Attest : Supreme Chancellor. 



Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

If the Supreme Chancellor shall refuse to grant a warrant for the insti- 
tution of a grand lodge for which ten subordinate lodges have properly 
petitioned, then such subordinate lodges may, in the same manner, peti- 
tion the Supreme Lodge at its next convention. Should the Supreme 
Lodge grant the petition, the Supreme Chancellor shall thereupon cause to 
be issued a warrant for the institution of such grand lodge. 

151 (179). When the petition for the institution of a grand lodge 
shall have been duly approved, and the warrant therefor shall have been 
issued, the Supreme Chancellor shall designate the time and place for said 
institution. Thereupon he shall cause the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal to notify every subordinate lodge located in the proposed domain of 
said grand lodge that, at the designated time and place, the grand lodge 
will be instituted, and to direct it to notify each of its past chancellors 
thereof. 

152 (180). At the time and place designated in the notice described 
in the preceding section, the Supreme Chancellor or his duly authorized 
deputy shall call the meeting of past chancellors to order, and upon being 
satisfied, by proper credentials, that the past chancellors of ten or more 
lodges in such proposed domain are present and qualified, he shall confer 
the grand lodge rank upon said past chancellors, and organize a grand 
lodge by the election, by and from among them, of the ritualistic officers 
of a grand lodge. 

153 (181). When the election of officers shall have been completed, 
the Supreme Chancellor or his authorized deputy, as the case may be, 
shall install the officers elect of said grand lodge, and declare such grand 
lodge duly instituted. The grand lodge shall thereupon elect two of its 
members Supreme Representatives. 

154 (187). When a grand lodge shall have been declared regularly 
instituted in any state, district, territory or province, the right of Pythian 
domain over said state, district, territory or province shall immediately 
accrue to and become vested in such grand lodge, and thereafter no sub- 
ordinate lodge shall have legal existence within that domain unless it is 

- 

- 



58 SUPREME [Division II, 

recognized by and under the control of the grand lodge having jurisdiction 
thereover. 

155 (188). Upon the institution of a new grand lodge, the subordi- 
nate lodges that take part in the organization thereof shall surrender to the 
grand lodge the warrants under which they have been working, and shall 
receive in lieu thereof charters issued by the newly instituted grand lodge. 

156 (189). Should it be deemed necessary by the new grand lodge to 
renumber its subordinate lodges, the renumbering thereof must be done 
so that the seniority of their organization shall be preserved. The date of 
institution shall be the basis upon which seniority shall be determined; 
provided that, if it shall be found that two or more lodges were instituted 
upon the same date, their seniority may be determined in such manner as 
the grand lodge may prescribe. 



PART II. 

POWERS AND DUTIES. 
CHAPTER I. 

WARRANTS AND CHARTERS. 

157 (183). A grand lodge working under a warrant may petition the 
Supreme Lodge for a charter. The petition, under seal, signed by the 
grand chancellor and attested by the grand keeper of records and seal, shall 
be presented to the Supreme Lodge in convention assembled, whereupon 
a charter may be granted or refused, as the Supreme Lodge may deem 
proper. If granted, a charter shall be issued immediately by the Supreme 
Chancellor, attested by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, and shall 
be in form as follows: 

SUPREME LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

To all whom it may concern: 

Know ye that, whereas, the past chancellors, upon whom the grand 
lodge rank had been conferred, from the following named subordinate 
lodges, to-wit: [names, numbers and locations of lodges] their associates 

and successors, were on the day of , 190 , P. P. , 

under warrant lawfully issued, instituted and established as a grand lodge 
of the order; and whereas, such grand lodge has worthily exercised the 
high powers with which it was invested; 

Now, therefore, The Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, the source of 
all authority in the order, reposing especial trust and confidence in such 
grand lodge, doth hereby grant this charter, fully establishing and con- 



Part II.] statutes. 59 

firming it as "The Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of ," 



within and for the [here describe the territory included in domain] as its 
domain. 

All the privileges, powers, rights and dignities conferred upon grand 
lodges by the Supreme law of the order, and all the obligations, duties and 
requirements imposed thereby, shall be at all times possessed by and rest 
upon such grand lodge. 

This charter may be suspended by the Supreme Chancellor, or sus- 
pended or revoked by the Supreme Lodge, only in the manner provided by 
Supreme Law. 

In witness whereof, we have caused this to be signed by the Supreme 
Chancellor and attested by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, and 

the Great Seal of the Supreme Lodge to be affixed, this day 

of , 190 , P. P. . 



SEAL OF 

SUPREME 

LODGE. 



Attest : Supreme Chancellor. 



Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

158 (184). When the charter provided for in the preceding section 
shall have been received by the grand keeper of records and seal of the 
grand lodge which applied therefor, all the rights of such grand lodge under 
its warrant shall cease and determine immediately. 

159 (185). Should the charter of a grand lodge be lost or destroyed, 
the Supreme Chancellor, upon satisfactory proof of such loss or destruction, 
shall cause to be issued a duplicate of said charter. 

160 (186). No convention of a grand lodge shall be legal unless its 
warrant or charter shall have been displayed in the manner required by the 
Supreme constitution. 

161 (190). Whenever any grand lodge, instituted after the final pass- 
age of this statute, shall be reduced to less than ten constituent subordinate 
lodges making regular semi-annual reports; or whenever any grand lodge, 
instituted prior to the final passage of this statute, shall be reduced to less 
than five constituent subordinate lodges making regular semi-annual 
reports ; then, in either of such cases, the powers and authority conferred 
by its warrant or charter shall cease and determine, and, upon the demand 
of the Supreme Chancellor, such warrant or charter, and all rituals, 
moneys, books, papers and other personal property belonging to such 
grand lodge shall be delivered to him, and the subordinate lodges for- 
merly within the domain of such grand lodge, together with the territory 
thereof, shall become and be in all respects subject to the control of the 
Supreme Lodge, as if no grand lodge had existed. 

162 (191). If a grand lodge shall fail to hold at least one regular con- 
vention during two consecutive calendar years, the Supreme Chancellor, 



60 SUPREME [Division II, 

upon being satisfied that such failure was without reasonable cause, may- 
suspend the warrant or charter of such grand lodge until such order of 
suspension shall be vacated by the Supreme Lodge ; provided that the Su- 
preme Chancellor at his discretion may vacate such order of suspension. 



CHAPTER II. 

CONSTITUTION AND LAWS. 

163 (192). The first constitution adopted for its government by a 
grand lodge hereafter instituted, and the first code of laws adopted for the 
government of its subordinate lodges, shall become operative and in force 
when submitted to and approved by the Supreme Chancellor, and not other- 
wise, except as provided in this chapter. 

164 (193). Immediately upon the adoption of such constitution and 
laws, the grand keeper of records and seal of the grand lodge taking such 
action shall forward by registered mail to the Supreme Chancellor a certi- 
fied copy thereof, for his examination and action thereon. If the Supreme 
Chancellor shall find such constitution and laws in accord with the Supreme 
law, he shall approve them as submitted to him, and certify such approval 
to the grand lodge from which they were received. If he shall find any 
portion thereof in conflict with the Supreme law, he shall certify his disap- 
proval of such portion, and refer to or cite the Supreme law with which the 
portions so disapproved are in conflict, and shall certify his approval of 
such constitution and laws as so modified. When approved in whole or in 
part, such constitution and laws shall become operative and in force as ap- 
proved. If the Supreme Chancellor shall fail to return to the grand lodge 
from which they were received such constitution and laws within ninety 
days from the date upon which they were received by him, then they shall 
at once become operative and in force without his approval. 

165 (194). The fact that such constitution and laws have become 
operative and in force under the provisions of this statute shall not be a 
bar to proceedings in which their conformity to the Supreme law may be 
called in question. 

CHAPTER III. 

SEALS. 

166 (101). Each grand lodge shall have an official seal, which shall 
bear the name of its domain and the date of its institution, together with 
such devices as it may adopt. Said seal shall be kept in the custody of the 
grand keeper of records and seal, and shall be used by him in authenti- 
cating such documents as require his official attestation. 

167 (102). Each grand chancellor may have such official seal as may 
be prescribed by his grand lodge. 



Part II.] STATUTES. 61 



CHAPTER IV. 

DEPUTY GRAND CHANCELLORS. 

168 (204). A grand lodge may authorize the appointment of deputy 
grand chancellors, and assign to them such powers and duties as it may by 
law provide, subject to the provisions of this chapter. 

169 (205). A deputy grand chancellor shall be deemed the representa- 
tive of the grand chancellor by whom he is appointed, and shall be ac- 
countable to the grand chancellor for the manner in which his duties are 
discharged. 

170 (206). No power or duty delegated or assigned to a deputy 
grand chancellor shall be assigned or delegated by him to any other person 
whomsoever, except that he may appoint another past chancellor to in- 
stall the officers of a subordinate lodge whom it is his official duty to 
install. 

171 (207). The term of office of a deputy grand chancellor shall ex- 
pire with the term of the grand chancellor by whom he is appointed, unless 
his commission be sooner revoked. 



CHAPTER V. 

ANNUAL REPORTS. 

172 (195). It shall be the duty of each grand lodge, through its grand 
keeper of records and seal, to make out and forward to the Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal, on the blank furnished by the latter officer for 
that purpose, and in strict conformity to the forms therein prescribed, an 
annual report. Said report shall contain a statement of the membership 
of the order in the grand domain at the end of the preceding calendar year, 
including the additions thereto and the deductions therefrom during said 
year; a statement of the finances of the grand lodge and of its subordi- 
nate lodges during the same period; a list of the ritualistic officers of the 
grand lodge for the current grand lodge year; and a list of all Past Su- 
preme Chancellors and past grand chancellors in good standing in the 
grand domain, and of those who have withdrawn, died, been suspended or 
expelled during the preceding calendar year. Said report shall be for- 
warded by registered mail, in time to reach the office of the Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal on or before the first day of April of each year. 

173 (197). For every day which shall elapse between the first day of 
April and the date of the reception by the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal of a correct report, as prescribed in this chapter, the delinquent grand 
lodge shall incur a penalty of one- dollar, to be assessed against and col- 
lected of said grand lodge by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal; 



62 SUPREME [Division II, 

and said grand lodge shall not be allowed representation in the Supreme 
Lodge until the total amount of the penalty incurred shaft 1 have been paid. 
(1902.) 

CHAPTER VI. 

CERTIFICATES AND CREDENTIALS. 

174 (199). A condition precedent to the reception of the Supreme 
Lodge rank shall be the filing of a certificate with the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, showing that the person desirous of receiving the rank 
attained the honor of past grand chancellor by service as a grand chancellor, 
or by having been elected as a Supreme Representative at the institution 
of a grand lodge. 

175 (200). When the honor of past grand chancellor is claimed to 
have been attained by service as grand chancellor, the certificate shall be 
in form as follows: 

PAST GRAND CHANCELLOR CERTIFICATE. 

(£3; Service.) 

GRAND LODGE OF . 

To the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias: 

This certifies that was duly installed grand chancellor 

of this grand lodge, on the day of , 190 , P. P. , 

and served as such until the installation of his successor at the end of his 

official term, on the day of , 190 , P. P. , and 

became thereby entitled to the honor of past grand chancellor. 

Witness the seal of this grand lodge and the signature of its grand 

chancellor, attested by its grand keeper of records and seal, this 

day of , 190 , P. P. . 



seal of : 

GRAND 
LODGE. 



Attest: Grand Chancellor. 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. 

176 (201). When the honor of past grand chancellor is claimed to 
have been attained by virtue of election as Supreme Representative at the 
institution of a grand lodge, the certificate shall be in form as follows : 

PAST GRAND CHANCELLOR CERTIFICATE. 

(By Election as Supreme Representative.) 

GRAND LODGE OF . 

To the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias: 

This certifies that this grand lodge was instituted on the day of 

, 190 , P. P. , and that is one of the 



Part II.] statutes. 63 

two members thereof who were on that date elected Supreme Representa- 
tives, and that as such he became entitled to the honor of past grand chan- 
cellor. 

Witness the seal of this grand lodge and the signature of its grand 

chancellor, attested by its grand keeper of records and seal, this 

day of , 190 -, P. P. . 



SEAL OF I 
GRAND ! 
LODGE. I 



Attest: Grand Chancellor. 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. 

177 (202). The certificates provided for by this statute must be signed 
by the grand chancellor and the grand keeper of records and seal in authen- 
tication of the correctness of the declarations therein contained, and must 
have the seal of the grand lodge affixed. 

178 (203). The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall issue the 
forms necessary for carrying into effect the provisions of this chapter. 

179 (198). It shall be the duty of each grand keeper of records and 
seal to forward to the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, by registered 
mail, a past grand chancellor certificate of the prescribed form, within 
ten days after a member of his grand lodge has become entitled, under 
the law, to the honor of past grand chancellor and to receive the Supreme 
Lodge rank; and to forward to the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, 
by registered mail, a Supreme Representative credential of the prescribed 
form, within ten days after a past grand chancellor of his grand lodge has 
been elected or appointed Supreme Representative; and in case a grand 
keeper of records and seal fails or neglects so to forward them or either 
of them, a fine of one dollar per day for each day that the certificate or 
credential is delayed shall be assessed against and collected of the grand 
lodge of which the derelict grand keeper of records and seal is an officer, 
by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal; and said grand lodge shall 
not be allowed representation in the Supreme Lodge until the said fine shall 
have been paid in full. (1902.) 



CHAPTER VII. 

FUNDS. 

180 (208). The manner in which the funds of a grand lodge shall be 
disposed of, and the purposes to which they shall be applied, are matters 
entirely within the discretion of the grand lodge, save and except that such 
funds shall not be used for any purpose inconsistent with the laws, prin- 
ciples and purposes of the order, and shall not be partitioned or divided 
among the members of a grand lodge ; and that, in case a grand lodge from 
any cause shall cease to exist, its funds shall revert to the Supreme Lodge. 



64 SUPREME [Div. II, Part II. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

1 GOOD STANDING. 

181 (266). A past chancellor, upon whom has been conferred the 
grand lodge rank, shall be considered to be in good standing in the grand 
lodge of which he is a member: 

Par. a (1). If he is in good standing in the subordinate lodge of which 
he is a member; ■ ' 

Par. b (2). If he is not under suspension from membership in such 
grand lodge; and 

Par. c (3). If the subordinate lodge of which he is a member shall not 
be under suspension for any cause. (1898.) 






Div. Ill, Part I.] statutes. 65 

DIVISION III. 

SUBORDINATE LODGES. 

PART I. 

IN GENKRAI,. 
CHAPTER I. 

INSTITUTION. 

182 (221). When a petition for a subordinate lodge within the domain 
of a grand lodge shall have been granted and a warrant issued therefor, 
the grand chancellor shall designate the time and place at which said sub- 
ordinate lodge shall be instituted, and shall cause the grand keeper of 
records and seal officially to notify the petitioners that, at that time and 
place, such subordinate lodge will be instituted. At the time and place 
designated in the notice, the grand chancellor or his duly authorized 
deputy, as the case may be, having examined the hall and satisfied himself 
that it is adapted for conferring the ranks, shall call the meeting of the 
petitioners to order, and, in case of a deputy, shall read his commission as 
instituting officer, and shall also read the petition for the institution of the 
lodge, call the list of names upon said petition, and satisfy himself of the 
identity of each person answering such roll-call. 

183 (222). When a petition for a subordinate lodge in territory under 
the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge shall have been granted, and 
a warrant issued therefor, the Supreme Chancellor shall designate the time 
and place at which said subordinate lodge shall be instituted, and shall cause 
the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal officially to notify the petitioners 
that, at that time and place, such subordinate lodge will be instituted. At 
the time and place designated in the notice, the Supreme Chancellor, or his 
duly authorized deputy, as the case may be, having examined the hall and 
satisfied himself that it is adapted for conferring the ranks, shall call the 
meeting of the petitioners to order, and, in case of a deputy, shall read 
his commission as instituting officer, and shall also read the petition for the 
institution of the lodge, call the list of names upon said petition, and satisfy 
himself of the identity of each person answering such roll-call. 

184 (223). In either of the above cases, the instituting officer shall 
then collect from all of the petitioners who are not already members of the 
order the fees for the three ranks, which shall not be less than ten dollars 
in the currency of the United States of America, or its equivalent in the 
currency of the country in which the lodge is located; provided, that the 

5 



66 SUPREME [Division III, 

holder of a transfer card, a withdrawal card, a grand lodge card or a 
Supreme lodge card may be admitted as a warrant member of said lodge 
upon payment of a fee of not more than one dollar. (1902.) 

185 (224). He will then require the applicants to vote by secret ball 
ballot on each name on the list, beginning with the last. He may, however, 
at his discretion allow a single ballot to be taken for the entire list, hav- 
ing previously notified the applicants that if two black balls (or one black 
ball, if the local law requires only that number to reject) shall appear on 
the general ballot, a separate ballot will be required on each name. If the 
general ballot be "fair," he shall declare all the applicants elected. If two 
black balls (or one, as above) appear, he will then require a separate ballot 
as above directed. Should any be rejected, he shall return the fees paid 
by such rejected persons. 

186 (225). The instituting officer will then exclude from the hall all 
who are not in possession of the S. A. P. W., and proceed to confer the 
ranks of knighthood upon the several petitioners who have been elected 
thereto. 

187 (226). In conferring the ranks, precedence shall be given to those 
of the petitioners who at a preliminary meeting may have been selected as 
the first officers of the lodge. 

188 (227). When the ranks of knighthood shall have been conferred 
upon at least those of the petitioners who may have been previously chosen 
as officers, the instituting officer may proceed to hold the formal election 
of officers for said subordinate lodge for the current term. 

189 (228). The bonds of the bonded officers having been approved 
by vote of the petitioners, the instituting officer shall install the officers. 

190 (229) . The instituting officer shall then officially declare the lodge 
duly instituted, and deliver to the chancellor commander the warrant there- 
for. 

191 (230). The instituting officer shall then pay over to the master of 
exchequer of the lodge the entire amount received as rank fees from the 
petitioners, taking a receipt therefor. 

192 (231). As soon as practicable after the institution of the lodge, 
the instituting officer shall forward to the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal, or to the grand keeper of records and seal, as the case may be, a 
report showing: 

a (1). The name, number and location of the lodge, together with a list 
of its officers and the date of its institution. 

b (2). The number of petitioners for the institution of the lodge, and 
the number on whom the ranks were conferred. 

c (3). A list of the names of the applicants rejected on ballot. 



Part I.] statutes. 67 



CHAPTER II. 

SEAL. 

193 (103). Each subordinate lodge shall have an official seal, which 
shall bear its name, number, location and date of institution, together with 
such appropriate devices as it shall adopt. Said seal shall be kept in the 
custody of the keeper of records and seal, and shall be used by him in 
authenticating such documents as require his official attestation. 



CHAPTER III. 

OFFICERS. 

194 (232). The words "office" and "officer," as used in this chapter, 
shall apply to such offices and officers as are designated in the ritual for sub- 
ordinate lodges, and to no others. 

195 (233). Any knight in good standing in a subordinate lodge shall 
be eligible to any office in the lodge of which he is a member ; but no mem- 
ber shall hold two offices in a subordinate lodge simultaneously; provided, 
that a lodge may by by-law prescribe that the duties of master of finance 
shall be performed by the keeper of records and seal. (1900.) 

Eisenberg vs. Oswego Lodge, No. 9, 7 S. T., 18. 

196 (234). Nominations of candidates for office in a subordinate lodge 
may be made at any time prior to the ballotting for such candidates. 

197 (235). All officers of a subordinate lodge shall be separately 
elected by majority vote upon written ballot. 

198 (236). The regulations which may be prescribed by the respective 
grand lodges for the conduct of elections in subordinate lodges shall, in all 
cases, be strictly observed, and all such elections not so conducted shall be 
null and void. 

199 (237). Except as herein provided, all officers of a subordinate 
lodge shall be installed at the first stated convention of the term for which 
they are to serve ; provided that all requirements of the grand lodge relative 
thereto have been complied with, and provided also that no such officer 
shall be installed unless he be in good standing and has fully paid to his 
lodge all dues and claims of whatsoever nature then accrued. If any 
officer elect shall be disqualified for installation, or shall be absent at the 
time designated for installation, the installing officer, unless such absence 
be excused by formal vote of the lodge, shall declare a vacancy in the office, 
which vacancy shali at once be filled by election. No officer sfiall assume 
the duties of his office until he shall have been regularly installed. Any 
officer elect who may be absent from the regular installation, and whose 
absence shall be excused by his lodge, may be installed at a subsequent con- 
vention, at the convenience of the lodge and of the installing officer. Should 



68 supreme [Division III, 

the installation for any cause not be held at the convention herein desig- 
nated, then it shall take place at the earliest convention thereafter which 
the convenience of the lodge and of the installing officer will allow, but in 
such case the keeper of records and seal shall notify all officers elect to be 
present at such convention. All installations of the officers of a subordinate 
lodge shall be by authority of the Supreme Lodge or of its grand lodge, 
and shall be conducted by the Supreme Chancellor or the grand chancellor, 
or by a deputy duly commissioned therefor by such authority, and only in 
the manner and form prescribed by the Supreme Lodge in the installation 
service established for subordinate lodges. (1896.) 

200 (238). Vacancies in office, by whatsoever cause produced, shall 
be filled in the manner of the original selection, and such officers shall be 
installed at the earliest convenience of the lodge and of the installing officer. 
Officers so chosen and installed shall hold office for the remainder of the 
official term, and shall, upon the installation of their successors, or upon 
installation as their own successors, and not otherwise, be deemed to have 
served the full term, and in the case of the chancellor commander shall 
be entitled to the honor of past chancellor. 

Calogne vs. G. L. Louisiana, 1 Clark, 33. 

201 (307). The chancellor commander is the executive officer of a 
subordinate lodge, and in addition to his duties as such, it shall be his duty 
to preside at all the conventions of his lodge. In the event of his absence at 
the time fixed by law for calling a convention to order, or in case he is pres- 
ent at that time and fails or refuses to call the lodge to order within fifteen 
minutes of the time fixed by law for opening the lodge, and a quorum is 
present, the vice chancellor shall take the chair and perform, for the time 
being, the duties of chancellor commander. If both of these officers are 
absent, or are present and neglect or refuse to preside, the members present 
shall proceed to select, by vote, some one from among themselves to pre- 
side, voting first upon the past chancellors, and, in case of failure to secure 
a presiding officer from among them, then upon those who have received 
the rank of knight. The person so selected to preside shall have, while in 
the chair, the same power to conduct the business of the lodge and to pre- 
side while the ranks are being conferred, that is devolved by the law upon 
a chancellor commander. 

202 (308). Whenever a member of a subordinate lodge shall be de- 
clared expelled from the order or suspended from membership therein, 
for any cause, it shall be the duty of the keeper of records and seal of such 
lodge immediately to forward to the Board of Control of the Endowment 
Rank a notice of such expulsion or suspension, signed by him and attested 
by the chancellor commander, over the seal of the lodge. Said notice shall 
give the name in full, legibly written, of the member expelled or suspended, 
and the cause for which he was expelled or suspended; and, in case the 
suspension is for a definite period, the notice shall state the length thereof. 



Part I.] STATUTES. 69 

CHAPTER IV. 

THE RANKS OF KNIGHTHOOD. 

203 (239). The conditions of eligibility to apply for the ranks of 
knighthood, and the manner in 'which such ranks, or any of them, may be 
attained, shall be as prescribed in this chapter, and not otherwise. 

204 (240). An applicant for the ranks of knighthood must possess 
the following qualifications : 

Par. a (1). He must be a white male. 

Par. b (2). He must be of good moral character. 

Par. c (3). He must be not less than twenty-one and not more than 
fifty years of age, except that a person more than fifty years of age may be- 
come eligible by dispensation. 

Par. d (4). He must be a believer in a Supreme Being. 

Par. e (5). He must be is good health and sound in mind and body, 
except that a maimed person may become eligible by dispensation. 

Par. f (6). He must be able to read and write. 

Par. g (7). He must not be engaged in either of the occupations known 
as professional gambler, saloon-keeper, bar-tender or retail dealer in 
spirituous liquors, wine, ale or beer (except as a bona fide hotel-keeper or 
druggist). 

Par. h (8). He must believe in the maintenance of order and the up- 
holding of constituted authority in the government in which he lives. 

Par. i (9). He must not have been rejected by any subordinate lodge as 
an applicant for the ranks of knighthood within the six months preceding 
his application. 

Kennedy vs. De Molay Lodge, No. 13, 2 Clark, 31. 

205 (241). Any person eligible under the provisions of the preceding 
section may make application for the ranks of knighthood to any subordi- 
nate lodge within whose territorial jurisdiction he has his actual residence, 
provided that he shall have resided within the domain for the preceding 
six months, and provided further that, if the subordinate lodge to which he 
makes application be under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, 
he shall have resided for the preceding six months within the state, terri- 
tory, district or province in which such subordinate lodge is located. 

206 Par. a (242, Par. 1). If a person desires to apply to a subordinate 
lodge other than the one in whose territorial jurisdiction he resides, but 
in the same grand domain, such application must be accompanied by the 
permission of a lodge within whose territorial jurisdiction he has his resid- 
ence. 

Par. b (Par. 2). If a person desires to apply to a subordinate lodge in a 
grand domain other than the one in which he resides, or to a subordinate 
lodge under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, then his applica- 



70 Supreme [Division III, 

tion must be accompanied by the permission of the grand chancellor of the 
grand domain within which he resides. 

Par. c (Par. 3). If a resident of territory not within a grand domain, 
but in a different state, territory, province or country from that in which 
the lodge to which he desires to apply is located, then his application must 
be accompanied by the permission of the Supreme Chancellor. 

207 (243). The application shall be in form as follows: 
j Lodge, No. , Knights of Pythias of 



I respectfully apply for the ranks of knighthood and for membership 
in your lodge and in the order of Knights of Pythias. I declare upon 
honor that I am a white male; that I am of good moral character; that 

I was years of age on the day of last 

past; that I am a believer in a Supreme Being; that I am in good health 
and sound in mind and body; that I am able to read and write; that I 
am not engaged in either of the occupations known as professional gambler, 
saloon-keeper, bar-tender or retail dealer in spirituous liquors, wine, ale 
or beer (except as a bona fide hotel-keeper or druggist) ; that I believe 
in the 11 aintenance of order and the upholding of constituted authority 
in the government in which I live; and that I have not been rejected as an 
applicant for ihe ranks of knighthood within the six months preceding the 
date of this application. 

I have been an actual and bone fide resident of this state [territory, 
district, province] continuously during the past six months. 

My occupation is ; place of business, ; 

postoffice address, ; residence, . 

If tins application be granted, I promise a full and faithful observance 
of all thfl lavs that may govern your lodge and the order. 

I have carefully read the law as printed on the back hereof. 

The fee of $ accompanies this application. 

Written and signed by my own hand, this day of , 

190 — . 

[Signed] . 

On the back of this application shall be printed the section of this 
chapter prescribing the qualifications of membership. (1896.) 

208 (244). The application shall be signed in the applicant's own 
handwriting, and endorsed by two members of the lodge in good standing, 
who have attained the rank of knight, and must be accompanied by the 
prescribed fee. If the lodge so require, such application must be accom- 
panied by the certificate of a physician, approved by the lodge, as to the 
health of the applicant Except as provided in this and the preceding 
sections, no application for the ranks of knighthood shall be received or 
considered by a lodge of the order. 

209 (245). Such application may be received at any stated conven- 
tion of the lodge, and shall he referred to an investigating committee of 



Part I.] StATUTiJS. 71 

three members who have attained the rank of knight, neither of whom shall 
have recommended the applicant. The committee shall take such meas- 
ures as it may deem needful, or as may be directed by law, to ascertain 
the qualifications and fitness of the applicant for the ranks of knighthood, 
and shall report to the lodge at a subsequent stated convention, except as 
otherwise authorized by dispensation, with recommendation for the ac- 
ceptance or rejection of the applicant. 

210 (246). Upon the report of the investigating committee, whether 
favorable or otherwise, such application shall be ballotted upon by secret 
ball ballot. Should all the ballots cast be white, or not more than one 
of them be a black ball, the applicant shall be declared elected to receive 
all the ranks of knighthood; but should three or more black balls appear, 
he shall be declared rejected. In case only two black balls appear upon 
the first ballot, the ballot must be renewed immediately, and if upon the 
second ballot all the ballots cast be white, or not more than one black ball 
appear, the applicant shall be declared elected to receive all the ranks of 
knighthood; but if two or more black balls appear upon the second ballot, 
the applicant shall be declared rejected. Cubes shall be deemed to be 
black balls within the meaning of this section. Grand lodges may so 
legislate as to prescribe that one black ball may reject but shall not 
increase the number required to reject to more than two. 

211 (247). When a ballot, either for membership by initiation, 'by 
card or for reinstatement, is about to be taken, the chancellor commander 
shall say: "Master at arms, you will prepare the ballot box." When 
prepared, the master at arms will present the ballot box to the chancellor 
commander for his inspection. When satisfied with the condition of the 
box, the chancellor commander shall deposit his ballot. The chancellor 
commander shall then say: "Master at arms, you will deposit the ballot 
box on the altar." The chancellor commander shall then say : "Brothers, 

the ballot is for the election or rejection of , 

who is an applicant for membership by initiation [or, "by card," or, "by 
reinstatement," as the case may be]. White balls elect and black balls 
reject. You will proceed to vote without giving any sign or salutation." 
At the proper time, the chancellor commander shall say: "Have all the 
members voted?" and, hearing no response, he will add: "The ballot is 
closed," and to the master at arms the chancellor commander will say: 
"You will collect the ballot." The master at arms will then carry the 
ballot box to the vice chancellor, who will inspect the ballot, and, if seven 
or more balls are found in the box, announce: "Chancellor commander, 
the ballot is a legal one"; but if less than seven balls are found in the 
box, he will announce: "Chancellor commander, the ballot is not a legal 
one." In either case, the ballot box shall be carried by the master at 
arms to the chancellor commander, who, after inspecting it, shall announce: 

"The ballot is a legal one, and I officially declare duly 

elected to membership in this lodge by initiation" [or, "by card," or, "by 
reinstatement," as the case may be," or "rejected," as the case may be] ; 



f 2 SUPREME [Division III, 

or in case the ballot be not a legal one, "Less than seven balls appearing, 
the ballot is not a legal one, and is therefore void. Master at arms, 
you will prepare the ballot box and [having inspected it] place it on the 
altar. All members present are required to vote. You will proceed to 
do SO." ( 1902.) Pociey vs. Lone Star Lodge, No. 39, 4 Clark, 17. 

212 (248). If, after the election of an applicant to receive the ranks 
of knighthood and before either of such ranks has been conferred upon 
him, two or more members of the lodge shall file with the chancellor 
commander written objections to his admission, the chancellor commander, 
without disclosing the names of the objectors, shall announce such objec- 
tions in open lodge, and such announcement shall be entered upon the 
records of the lodge, whereupon the initiation of the candidate shall be 
stayed. Should the objections be withdrawn by the members filing them, 
within thirty days thereafter, then such withdrawal shall be entered upon 
the records of the lodge, and the stay of initiation shall be vacated, 
whereupon the candidate may receive the ranks of knighthood as if no 
objections had been filed. If the objections be not so withdrawn, they 
shall operate as black balls, and at the first meeting after the expiration 
of such thirty days the chancellor commander shall declare the applicant 
rejected. If similar objection to the advancement of a member who has 
not attained the rank of esquire or knight be filed, the chancellor commander 
shall make like announcement, which shall be entered upon the records 
of the lodge and the advancement of the member shall be stayed. If the 
objections be withdrawn by the members filing them, within thirty days 
thereafter, then such withdrawal shall be entered upon the records of the 
lodge, and the stay of advancement shall be vacated, whereupon the mem- 
ber shall receive the ranks of knighthood not already attained as if no 
objections had been filed. If the objections be not so withdrawn, then 
after the expiration of such thirty days, a secret ball ballot shall be taken 
in the manner provided in sections 210 and 211 of this chapter, when, if 
the result be favorable, the member may be advanced as if no objections 
had been filed; but, if the result of such ballot be unfavorable, all fees 
paid by the member for ranks not already attained by him shall be at once 
returned, and his advancement shall be permanently stayed; provided that 
after six months from the date of such permanent stay, the member, if in 
good standing in the lo-dge, may apply for advancement, accompanying 
his application with the amount of the fee then required by law, and such 
application shall be subject to investigation and ballot as provided in 
sections 209, 210 and 211 of this chapter, when, if the result be favorable, 
the permanent stay shall be vacated and the member shall receive the ranks 
of knighthood not already attained as if no objections had been filed; but, 
if the ballot be unfavorable, the chancellor commander shall declare the 
member rejected for advancement, and no other application for advance- 
ment shall be received from such member until the expiration of six 
months from the date of such rejection. 

213 (249). No ballot upon an application for the ranks of knighthood 



Part I.] STATUTES. 73 

shall at any time be reconsidered nor renewed, except as provided in sec- 
tions 210 and 212 of this chapter. 

214 (250). If an application for the ranks of knighthood be rejected, 
all fees received from the applicant for ranks shall be at once returned 
to him. 

215 (251). No application shall be withdrawn, except by consent of 
the lodge, given by the vote of a majority of the members present, nor 
at all after the report of the investigating committee shall have been read 
to the lodge. No discussion of the result of a ballot or of the merits or 
demerits of a candidate shall be permitted at any time after such ballot, 
either in the lodge or out of it ; nor shall any member of the order disclose, 
directly or indirectly, either the report of the investigating committee or 
the character of any vote supposed to have been cast upon such ballot. 

216 (252). A subordinate lodge may confer the ranks of esquire and 
knight, or either of them, upon a member of the order who- has attained 
the rank of page or esquire in another lodge, upon the request of such 
other lodge under seal. The subordinate lodge which shall have conferred 
a rank in accordance with this section shall immediately notify the lodge 
which preferred the request therefor, of the date upon which such rank was 
conferred. Upon receipt of such notice, record thereof shall be made upon 
the books of the lodge receiving it. 

217 (253). One week must elapse between the conferring of any two 
ranks upon the same person, except at the first four conventions of a new 
lodge, and except as otherwise permitted by dispensation. 

218 (253 a). The chancellor commander, at the time the rank of page 
shall have been conferred upon a candidate, shall appoint a committee 
consisting of three members of the lodge to instruct the candidate in the 
secret work of the rank already conferred upon him, and it shall be the 
duty of the committee to instruct and prepare the candidate for the exam- 
ination provided for in the following section. Such committee shall serve 
until the candidate shall have attained the rank of knight. (1902.) 

219 (253ft). Every member of the order in the page or esquire rank, 
prior to being advanced to a higher rank, shall pass a satisfactory exam- 
ination in open lodge in the unwritten work of the rank or ranks already 
taken, such examination to be conducted by the chairman of the committee 
of three appointed by the chancellor commander as provided for in the 
preceding section. (1902.) 

220 (254). No rank shall be conferred until the fee therefor has 
been paid, and no portion of such fee shall be refunded, donated or re- 
turned, directly or indirectly, except as provided in this chapter. 

221 (255). A subordinate lodge shall not ballot upon an application 
for the ranks of knighthood at the same convention at which it was re- 
ceived, except upon written dispensation therefor. 



74 Sup£KM£ [Division III, 

222 (256). The chancellor commander at his pleasure may call any 
knight to the chair to assist in conferring any rank of knighthood; or, 
by consent of the lodge, he may assign the work to a team organized or 
drilled for such work, a part or all of which may be members of other 
lodges ; provided that the lodge shall remain under the control of its chan- 
cellor commander or one of its members legally qualified to preside; but 
the S. A. P. W. must be communicated only by the chancellor commander 
or (in his absence) by the vice chancellor of the lodge. 



CHAPTER V. 

GOOD STANDING. 

223 (265). A page, esquire or knight shall be considered to be in 
good standing in the subordinate lodge of which he is a member : 

Par. a (1). If he is not under suspension from membership for the 
non-payment of arrearages or for other causes. 

Par. b (2). If he has not renounced the order. (1898.) 

Russell vs. Bon, 2 Clark, 25. 
Read vs. Peoples, 2 Clark, 28. 
Rosenblath vs. Board of Control, 5 Clark, 40. 
Calanthe Lodge, No. 206, vs. Silver, 8 S. T., 38. 



CHAPTER VI. 

CARDS. 

224 (268). Any member in good standing in a subordinate lodge, 
who may desire to change his membership to another lodge, may make 
application in writing over his own signature for a transfer card. Such 
application shall be accompanied by the fee fixed by law for a transfer card 
and the amount of his dues, fines and assessments accrued, and dues in 
advance to the first of the month succeeding the presentation of such 
application to the lodge. ( 1896) . Crisler vs Hinsey> 7 s> T 8 . 

225 (269). An application for a transfer card shall be read in open 
lodge, and a statement of such fact made upon the records of the lodge, 
and the further consideration of the matter shall be postponed until the 
next regular convention of the lodge, at which time, if no charges are pend- 
ing against the applicant, and he be in good standing in the lodge, the 
chancellor commander shall order the transfer card to be issued without 
any vote of the lodge. When the issue of such card has been ordered by 
the chancellor commander, the keeper of records and seal shall forthwith 
prepare the card; and, when it shall have been signed by the chancellor 
commander and attested by the keeper of records and seal, the latter officer 
shall deliver it to the member requesting it, either in person or by mail 
to his address as it appears on the books of the lodge. , 



Part I.] STATUTES. 75 

226 (270). The transfer card referred to herein shall be in form as 
follows : 



TRANSFER CARD. 



SEAL OF I _ : SEAL OF 

SUPREME! ISSUED BY THE SUPREME LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS, ; GRAND 

LODGE. : : LODGE. 

THROUGH THE GRAND LODGE OF . 



Castle Hall of Lodge, No. , at , Grand Domain 

of . 

To any lodge of the order of Knights of Pythias to which this card may 

be presented: 

It is hereby certified that , whose proper signature is 

written in the margin hereof, is a member of the rank of , 

in good standing in this lodge. 

Should this lodge receive notice from you that, within ninety days 
from this date, the holder of this card has been elected a member of your 
lodge, his membership in this lodge will be deemed to have ceased upon 
such election ; otherwise this transfer carl'ci shall be null and void. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto affixed our signatures and the 
seal of the lodge, this day of , 190 — , P. P. . 



■ subordinate : Chancellor Commander. 

; LODGE. 



Keeper of Records and Seal. 

Sections 227, 228, 229 and 230 of this chapter shall be printed on the 
back of the transfer card, which shall also contain a coupon for notification 
to the lodge of issuance. (1896.) 

227 (271). The holder of a transfer card may apply, subject to the 
provisions of sections 204, 205 and 206, Supreme statutes (except par- 
agraph g of section 204, which shall not apply to applicants for member- 
ship by deposit of transfer card), to any lodge of the order, for mem- 
bership in such lodge; and he shall attach such transfer card to his appli- 
cation, and accompany the same with the application fee prescribed by 
law, together with an official receipt showing the payment to the lodge 
issuing the card of all dues, fines and assessments to the first of the month 
succeeding the date of the issue of such transfer card; provided, that if, 
under the provisions of section 206 of these statutes, the permission of 
the lodge of issue to make such application is required, then such transfer 
card shall be deemed and taken as such permission; and provided, fur- 
ther, that the holder of such transfer card, making such application, shall 
not be required to state therein that he has been a resident for six 
months of the domain in which such application is made, as is required 
by section 207 of these statutes. (1902). 

228 (272). An application- for membership by deposit of transfer 
card shall be subject to the investigation and ballot provided in sections 



76 supreme [Division III, 

209, 210 and 211, Supreme statutes. If the applicant be elected, his mem- 
bership in the lodge of issue of such transfer card shall thereupon cease 
and determine, and his membership in the lodge to which his application 
is made shall begin. The keeper of records and seal of the lodge of deposit 
shall at once address and forward by mail the coupon notice of such 
election to the lodge issuing the transfer card. Upon receipt of such 
notice by the lodge of issue, it shall be read in open lodge, and record 
thereof shall be made by the keeper of records and seal and master of 
finance upon the books of the lodge. If the application be rejected, the 
transfer card shall be filed in the lodge in which it is deposited, and no 
similar application by that applicant shall be considered by that lodge 
for ninety days thereafter. (1896). 

229 (273). The rights of a holder of a transfer card as an officer in 
the lodge of issue, or as grand representative from such lodge, shall not 
be impaired by reason of the issue or deposit of such transfer card until 
his election to membership in the lodge in which it is deposited, but 
thereupon any such right shall finally cease and determine. If the lodge 
of deposit of a transfer card be within the same domain as the lodge 
of issue, the rights of the holder thereof as an officer in his grand lodge, 
or as Supreme Representative from such grand lodge, shall not be af- 
fected or impaired by the issue or deposit of such transfer card; but if 
the lodge of deposit of a transfer card be not within the same domain as 
the lodge of issue, then all such rights of the holder of such transfer card 
shall cease and determine upon his election to membership in the lodge 
of deposit. The rights of the holder of a transfer card as an officer of 
the Supreme Lodge shall at no time be affected or impaired by the issue 
or deposit of such transfer card. (1896.) 

230 (274). A subordinate lodge, subject to the legislation of its grand 
lodge, may establish the fee to accompany an application for membership 
by the deposit of a transfer card and the fee for the issue of such cards. 
A subordinate lodge under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge 
may fix such fees, provided that the fee for admission in such lodge shall 
not exceed one-half the fee required by it for the three ranks of knight- 
hood, and that the fee for the issuance of a transfer card shall be one 
dollar. (1898.) Samuels vs. Live Oak Lodge, No. 17, 3 Clark, 42. 

231 (275). The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal is hereby au- 
thorized and directed to issue blank transfer cards as herein described, 
the same to be issued and furnished to grand lodges or to subordinate 
lodges under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, as provided 
by law. 

232 (276). Any member of the order who is not indebted to his 
lodge, and is not under charges, may apply to his lodge in writing over his 
own signature for a withdrawal card. 

233 (277). Such application shall be read in open lodge, whereupon 



Part I.] statutes. 77 

the chancellor commander shall enquire whether objection exists to the 
issue of such card, and if no objection be made, he shall, except as 
provided in section 238 of this chapter, at once order its issue, without 
formal vote of the lodge thereon. If objection be made, the chancellor 
commander shall at once require the objection to be formulated in writing 
as charges against the applicant for the card, which charges shall take 
the course provided by law, unless the application be withdrawn ; and if 
upon final hearing the defendant be convicted, the application shall be 
denied and no further application from him for such card shall be received 
or considered until the penalty following such conviction shall have been 
fully discharged. If the applicant be acquitted, the chancellor commander 
shall, except as provided in section 238 of this chapter, thereupon order 
that the card be issued, unless the applicant shall have withdrawn, in 
writing, his request therefor. In any case where the chancellor com- 
mander shall order the issue of a withdrawal card, he shall endorse his 
order upon the application for the card, with the date thereof, and the card 
shall be at once prepared and attested by the keeper of records and sea'4 
and signed by the chancellor commander, and delivered immediately to the 
applicant therefor, either in person or by mail to his address as shown on 
the books of the lodge. 

234 (282). Upon the order of a chancellor commander for the issue 
of a withdrawal card, or of a grand chancellor for the issue of a grand 
lodge card, or of the Supreme Chancellor for the issue of a Supreme Lodge 
card, the applicant therefor shall be known as an ex-member of the order, 
and the membership of such applicant in his lodge and in the order shall 
cease and determine, except as hereinafter provided, and any official 
position held by him shall thereupon become vacant; but honors pre- 
viously attained by him shall be retained. He shall have no claim upon the 
order or upon any lodge thereof for any Pythian privilege or benefit what- 
soever. 

235 (283). If an ex-member, as defined in the preceding section, shall 
commit an offence against the order which, if committed by a member of 
the order, would subject the offender to the penalties prescribed for such 
offences, then and in that case, such ex-member may be proceeded against 
as if he were a member of the order, and upon conviction of the offence 
as charged, the withdrawal card held by such ex-member shall stand 
revoked and annulled, and the holder of such card shall thereupon be 
perpetually prohibited from regaining membership in any lodge of the 
order. 

236 (284). Should the holder of a withdrawal card, a grand lodge 
card or a Supreme Lodge card desire at any time to deposit it with any 
subordinate lodge, he must make application to such lodge in the manner 
provided in division iii, part i, chapter iv, Supreme statutes, and attach 
his card to such application. All the provisions of said chapter shall apply 
to such application, except that in case of rejection the card shall be 



78 SUPREME [Division III, 

returned to the applicant, and except, also, that in such case the application 
may be renewed to the same or (subject to the provisions of said chapter) 
to a different subordinate lodge, after one month from the date of such 
rejection. If the applicant be elected, it shall be the duty of the keeper 
of records and seal of such lodge at once to notify the lodge of issue thereof, 
and the membership of the applicant shall date from such election. 

237 (285). Should a withdrawal card be lost or destroyed, the holder 
thereof may apply in writing to the source of issue for a duplicate, which, 
upon satisfactory proof of such loss and upon payment of the fee therefor, 
shall at once be issued and delivered to him. If a card has been mutilated 
or defaced, the holder may surrender such card to the source of issue, 
and upon his request and payment of the fee therefor, a duplicate shall 
be issued and delivered to him. There shall be written or printed in red 
ink, across the face of any card issued under the provisions of this section, 
the word "duplicate." 

238 (286). No subordinate lodge shall issue a card to a past chan- 
cellor, a past grand chancellor or a Past Supreme Chancellor who may 
be under charges in his grand lodge or the Supreme Lodge; and should 
such card be so issued, it shall not be pleaded in bar of the proceedings 
under the charges, nor of the findings upon the same. 

239 (287). The form of withdrawal card specified in this chapter 
shall be as follows : 

WITHDRAWAL CARD. 



: '. The Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, through : 

: seal of : : seal of 

.•supreme: the Grand Lodge of , authorizes : grand 

: lodge. : : lodge. 

". : Lodge, No. , of , \ 

in said grand domain, to issue this withdrawal card to 



(whose proper signature is written in the margin hereof), who has 

attained the rank of , and, at his own request, has received 

this card of honorable withdrawal therefrom. 

Membership in the order by the holder hereof terminated upon the 
granting of this card. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto affixed our signatures and the 
seal of the lodge, this day of , 190 — , P. P. . 



i subordinate : Chancellor Commander. 

LODGE. I 



Keeper of Records and Seal. 

Note.— This card will remain in force until revoked or deposited (unless otherwise 
ordered by the Supreme Lodge), and the holder shall be subject to all laws and regulations 
relating thereto, as established by the Supreme Lodge. It can not be used as a visiting 
credential nor as evidence of the attainment of any honor or rank other than the ranks of 
knighthood. Such honor or other rank must be evidenced by a separate credential therefor. 



Part I.] statutes. 79 

240 (290). The cards provided for in this chapter, when issued, shall 
be valid until revoked, annulled or deposited as hereinbefore provided. 

241 (291). Such cards shall be prepared and furnished only by the 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

242 (292). Withdrawal cards heretofore issued may be revoked, an- 
nulled or deposited, as in this chapter hereinbefore provided for the 
(revocation, annullment or deposit of withdrawal cards, grand lodge cards 
or Supreme Lodge cards; and, until so revoked, annulled or deposited, 
they shall be valid. 

CHAPTER VII. 

DUES, ASSESSMENTS AND FINES. 

243 (257). Every member of the order of Knights of Pythias may be 
required to pay to his subordinate lodge fixed sums of money at regular 
and at the end of stated periods. The amounts so payable, and the dates 
of the lodge conventions when they shall become due, shall be determined 
by each subordinate lodge, subject to the enactments of its grand lodge and 
the Supreme Lodge. Such moneys shall be known as dues. 

244 (258). All dues shall begin from the date of initiation as page, 
or of membership by transfer card, withdrawal card, grand lodge card 
or Supreme Lodge card. Different rates of dues may be required from 
members of the different ranks of knighthood, as each subordinate lodge 
may enact, but the payment of dues shall not be required before the end 
of the stated periods for which they are payable, except that, if a member 
receive a transfer card, he shall be charged with dues to the first of the 
month succeeding the date of the issue of such transfer card; or, if he 
apply for a withdrawal card, he shall be charged with dues pro rata up 
to the date of the granting of such card. (1902.) 

245 (259). A member shall be in arrears when his dues, accrued 
at the end of a period for which the same are payable, remain unpaid 
at midnight of the last day of such period. A subordinate lodge may 
collect dues in advance, but a member shall not be deemed in arrears 
or deprived of benefits or of the S. A. P. W. because of failure to make 
such payment in advance; provided, that grand lodges may by law pre- 
scribe that members whose dues are not paid in advance shall not be entitled 
tO benefits. Russell vs. Bon, 2 Clark, 25. 

Loyal Lodge, No. 233, vs. Rubie, 5 Clark, So. 

246 (260). Subordinate lodges shall, subject to the Supreme law and 
the legislation of their respective grand lodges, provide for the prompt 
collection of the dues of their members. 

247 (261). Subordinate lodges may, subject to the Supreme law and 
the legislation of their respective .grand lodges, provide for the imposition 
of fines and assesments upon their members, which fines and assessments 



80 supreme [Division III, 

shall become due and payable upon the next succeeding date for the pay- 
ment of dues, and their non-payment at such date shall thereupon render 
the member in arrears and subject to all the provisions of this chapter; 
provided that fines and assessments imposed within one month preceding 
the end of a stated period for which dues are payable shall not become 
due and payable until the next succeeding date for the payment of dues. 

248 (262). When a member shall have become in arrears for dues, 
fines and assessments equal to the amount of one year's dues, the master 
of finance of his lodge shall forthwith notify him, by mail to his address 
as shown upon the books of the lodge, that he is so in arrears, and that, if 
such arrearages are not paid within thirty days after the date of such 
notice, he will be suspended from the lodge and from the order. The 
master of finance shall receive any payments which may be tendered to 
him in response to such notice, at any time prior to action of the lodge 
thereon, provided the amount so tendered shall at least equal three months' 
dues. If, at a convention of the lodge held after the expiration of the 
time specified in such notice, the member so notified shall not have made 
payment of arrearages as hereinbefore provided, the master of finance 
shall notify the lodge to that effect, and that the notice required by this 
section has been sent. The account of the member shall thereupon be 
read, when, if objection be made to the account, such objection shall be 
fully stated and hearing had before the lodge. Immediately upon the 
reading of the account, or after the hearing thereon, if objection be made 
thereto, the question whether or not the member is in arrears for an 
amount equal to one year's dues, shall be submitted to vote of the lodge, 
and if the lodge shall vote that the member is so in arrears, the chancellor 
commander shall thereupon declare him suspended from the lodge and 
from the order, and such suspension shall be entered upon the records 
of the lodge; but such declaration by the chancellor commander shall in 
no case be made unless the notice herein required shall have been sent, 
nor unless the lodge shall previously determine by formal vote that the 
member is in arrears for an amount equal to one year's dues, which facts 
must be made of record upon the books of the lodge; provided, that the 
member shall not be so declared suspended if at the time he be under 
charges. Russell vs. Bon, 2 Clark, 25. 

Calanthe Lodge, No. 206, vs. Silver, 8 S. T., 38. 

240 (263). A member who has been suspended under the provisions 
of this chapter shall be known as a suspended member, and shall have no 
claim upon the order nor upon any lodge thereof, nor upon any member 
of the order, for any Pythian right, benefit or privilege whatsoever, until 
after he shall have been reinstated as provided by law. He shall not 
be chargeable with dues, fines or assessments during the period of his 
suspension. 

250 (264). If any such suspended member shall commit an offence 
against the order, charges may be preferred against him either in the 



Part I.] STATUTES. 81 

lodge by which he was suspended, or in any lodge within whose territorial 
jurisdiction the offence was committed; whereupon the person so charged 
shall be summoned before such lodge, and trial shall be had in the manner 
provided by law for offenders who are members of the order. If he shall 
be convicted of the offence charged, the trial lodge shall thereupon declare 
the offender expelled from the order, and if such lodge be other than that 
by which he was suspended, notice of its action shall be at once given that 
lodge through the keeper of records and seal. 

Kennedy vs. Gushing, 8 S. T., 63. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SUSPENSION AND REINSTATEMENT. 

251 (297). The penalty of suspension from the order for offences 
against it may be either: 

Par. a (1). For a term fixed by the lodge at the time of suspension, 
which shall be known as "definite suspension" ; or, 

Par. b (2). At the pleasure of the lodge, which shall be known as 
"indefinite suspension." Kennedy vs. Clashing, 8 S. T., 63. 

252 (298). A person who may be under suspension, either "definite" 
or "indefinite," shall have no claim upon the order, nor upon any lodge 
or member thereof, for any Pythian right, privilege or benefit whatsoever, 
until after his suspension shall have been terminated as provided by law. 
He shall not be chargeable with dues, fines or assessments during the 
period of his suspension. 

253 (299). If any such suspended member shall commit an offence 
against the order, charges may be preferred against him, either in the 
lodge by which he was suspended, or in any lodge within whose territorial 
jurisdiction the offence was committed; whereupon the person so charged 
shall be summoned before such lodge, and trial shall be had in the manner 
provided by law for offenders who are members of the order. If he shall 
be convicted of the offence charged, the trial lodge shall thereupon declare 
the offender expelled from the order; and if such lodge be other than that 
by which he was suspended, notice of its action shall be at once given to 
that lodge through its keeper of records and seal. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

254 (300). A person under "definite" suspension shall, at the expira- 
tion of the term of such suspension, become and be reinstated to the stand- 
ing held by him at the date of his suspension, without formal vote or 
action of the lodge, and shall thereupon he subject to all the obligations 
and entitled to all the rights pertaining to such standing. 

255 (293). A former member of the order who was suspended from 
membership in his subordinate lodge and in the order for non-payment 
of arrearages, who desire to be restored to such membership, may make 

6 



82 SUPREME [Division III, 

application therefor to the subordinate lodge by which he was so sus- 
pended. Such application shall be accompanied by such sum as the by-laws 
of such lodge may prescribe for reinstatement, which amount shall not be 
more than the amount of membership fee in said lodge at the time of said 
application. (1900.) 

256 (294). Such application shall be read in open lodge, at a stated 
convention thereof, and referred to an investigating committee of three, 
as in the case of an application for the ranks of knighthood, and no further 
action shall be taken on such application by the lodge for one week, and 
until the report of the investigating committee shall have been made to 
the lodge. 

257 (295). Upon the report of the investigating committee, and sub- 
ject to the restrictions of the preceding section, such application shall be 
ballotted upon by secret ball ballot, as in the case of an application for the 
ranks of knighthood, except that, if two-thirds of all the balls deposited 
upon such ballot be white, the applicant shall be declared reinstated; but 
should more than one-third of the balls deposited be black, the ballot shall 
be renewed immediately. Should two-thirds or more of the balls deposited 
on the second ballot be white, the applicant shall be declared reinstated; 
but should more than one-third of the balls be black, the applicant for re- 
instatement shall be declared rejected, and no further application for the 
reinstatement of the applicant so rejected shall be received by the lodge 
for the period of six months after the date of such rejection. Cubes shall 
be deemed to be black balls within the meaning of this section. 

258 (296). A member of the order, who has been reinstated to mem- 
bership as hereinbefore provided, shall not be chargeable with any dues 
accrued during the period of his suspension, nor with any assessments 
imposed during such period. 



CHAPTER IX. 

FUNERAL BENEFITS. 

259 (303). Each subordinate lodge shall pay a funeral benefit of not 
less than twenty dollars in the currency of the United States of America, 
or its equivalent in the currency of the country in which the lodge is 
located, upon the death of a member thereof, of any rank, who was in 
good standing at the time of his death, said payment to be made as pro- 
vided in the by-laws of the lodge. 

California Lodge, No. i, vs. G. L. California, 1 Clark, 10. 

2CO (304). A subordinate lodge which provides for the payment of a 
larger sum than the minimum amount fixed by the Supreme law as a 
iuneral benefit, may prescribe the person or persons to whom the amount 



Part II.] statutes. 83 

in excess of said minimum amount shall be paid, or it may provide that 
the amount in excess of such minimum shall be expended under the direc- 
tion of the lodge toward defraying the funeral expenses of the deceased 
member. To be entitled to the privileges conferred by this section, a subor- 
dinate lodge must take advantage thereof by the adoption of such pro- 
visions in its by-laws as will secure them. 

Jefferson Valley Lodge, No. n, vs. Stradford, 6 S. T., 49. 

261 (305). When a subordinate lodge provides in its by-laws that 
the amount of its funeral benefits in excess of the minimum amount fixed 
by the Supreme law shall be applied toward the payment of funeral 
expenses, it shall be the sole judge as to what portion of said sum shall 
be expended for that purpose, and the rights of the party entitled under 
the by-laws of a lodge to the twenty dollars minimum funerai benefit 
shall be held to have been satisfied whenever such minimum shall have 
been paid to such party. j e fferson Valley Lodge, No. 11, vs. Stradford, 6 S. T., 49. 

262 (306). The suicide of a member shall not release his subordinate 
lodge from the payment of the minimum amount of funeral benefit pro- 
vided by the Supreme law. 



PART II. 

WITHIN THK DOMAIN OF A GRAND I^ODGE. 
CHAPTER I. 

WARRANTS AND CHARTERS. 

263 (310). The provisions of this part, so far as they relate to 
subordinate lodges, shall apply only to lodges located within the domain 
of an existing grand lodge. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

264 (311). Whenever ten or more persons, eligible under the Su- 
preme law to receive the ranks of knighthood, shall desire to establish 
a subordinate lodge of the order within the domain of a grand lodge, they 
may petition the grand chancellor of such domain for a warrant for such 
subordinate lodge. Such petition shall be signed by each petitioner in 
his own handwriting, giving the age, residence and occupation of each, and 
shall be in the following form: 

To the Grand Chancellor of the Grand Domain of : 

The undersigned represent that they are white males, of good moral 
character, not less than twenty-one and not more than fifty years of age, 



84 SUPREME [Division III, 

believers in a Supreme Being, in good health and sound in mind and body, 
able to read and write, and not engaged in either of the occupations 
known as professional gambler, saloon-keeper, bar-tender or retail dealer 
in spirituous liquors, wine, ale or beer (except as bona fide hotel-keepers 
or druggists) ; that they believe in the maintenance of order and the 
upholding of constituted authority in the government in which they live; 
that they have not, within six months, been rejected as applicants for the 
ranks of knighthood; and that they have been for the six months last 
past actual residents of this state [territory, district, province]. 

They respectfully petition that you will grant them a warrant for the 
institution and establishment of a subordinate lodge of the order of 

Knights of Pythias, to be located at , county [parish] 

of , state [territory, district, province] of , 

and to be known as " Lodge [with such number as you 

may designate], Knights of Pythias of the Grand Domain of ." 

Should this petition be granted, we hereby covenant and agree that 
we will, as individuals and as a lodge, in all respects observe and obey 
the Supreme law of the order and the laws of your grand lodge. 

The transfer cards, withdrawal cards, grand lodge cards or Supreme 
Lodge cards held by any of us are hereto attached. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

265 (312). The petition described in the foregoing section shall be 
forwarded to the grand chancellor. In case any of the petitioners are 
holders of transfer cards, withdrawal cards, grand lodge cards or Supreme 
Lodge cards, then such cards shall accompany such petition. If the grand 
chancellor, after due investigation, shall determine to grant such petition, 
he shall at once cause a warrant for the institution of such subordinate 
lodge to be prepared by the grand keeper of records and seal, and shall 
issue the same in form as follows : 

GRAND LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS OF . 

To whom it may concern: 

Whereas, [names of applicants] have petitioned the undersigned grand 

chancellor of the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of , 

for the institution of a subordinate lodge of the order; 

Now, therefore, know ye that I, as such grand chancellor, being duly 
authorized by the Supreme law of the order and the laws of this grand 
lodge, do hereby grant this warrant for the institution of such lodge, to be 

known as Lodge, No. , Knights of Pythias, 

of 9 located at — ; hereby 

investing it with all the powers and privileges conferred by the Supreme 
law and the laws of this grand lodge upon a subordinate lodge of the 
order. 

This warrant may be suspended by the grand chancellor of this grand 
domain, or revoked by this grand lodge, in the manner provided by law; 
but, unless so suspended or revoked, it shall be valid until vacated by the 
issue of a charter in lieu thereof. 



Part II.] STATUTES. 85 

In witness whereof, I have caused the seal of this grand lodge to be 
affixed, and my signature to be attested by the grand keeper of records 
and seal, this day of , 190 — , P. P. . 



grand : Attest: . Grand Chancellor. 

lodge. : 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. 

The warrant shall bear an impression of the Great Seal of the Supreme 
Lodge in the middle of the form, in a tint or light color different from 
that used in the body of the form, and the blank forms shall be furnished 
only by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

266 (313)- No warrant or charter shall be granted to a subordinate 
lodge to be known by a name or title which is the name or title of a living 
person. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

267 (314). Whenever a subordinate lodge shall have been instituted 
under a warrant issued in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, 
such subordinate lodge may by formal vote petition the grand' lodge withfn 
whose grand domain it is located for the issue of a charter in lieu of such 
warrant. The petition, under seal of the lodge, signed by the chancellor 
commander and attested by the keeper of records and seal, shall be 
presented to the grand lodge, in convention assembled, when a charter 
may be granted or refused at the pleasure of the grand lodge. If granted, 
such charter shall be immediately issued by such grand lodge, in form 
as follows: 

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

Whereas, the following named persons [names] were, on the 



day of , 190 — , P. P. , under warrant lawfully 

issued, instituted and established as a subordinate lodge of the ordef of 
Knights of Pythias; and 

Whereas, such lodge has by knightly service made proof of its con- 
stancy and devotion, and has duly made petition for a charter in lieu 
of said warrant; 

Now, therefore, the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of ■ , 

by virtue of the power and authority conferred by the Supreme law of 
the order, doth hereby grant this charter, fully establishing and confirming 

said persons and their successors as Lodge, 

No. , Knights of Pythias, of the Grand Domain of , 

located at ; and said lodge is hereby invested with 

all the rights, powers and privileges conferred upon a subordinate lodge 
of the order within this grand domain by the Supreme law and the laws 
of this grand lodge. 

In default of obedience at all times by said lodge to the Supreme law 
of the order, and compliance with the legal enactments and commands 



86 supreme [Division III, 

of this grand lodge and of its grand chancellor, this charter may be sus- 
pended or revoked in the manner provided by law. 

In witness whereof, this charter has been duly executed, and the seal 

of this grand lodge affixed thereto, this day of 

190—, P. P. . 



S grand F : Attest : Grand Chancellor. 

LODGE. I 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal 

The validity of charters granted prior to the enactment of these statutes, 
and of different forms from that herein prescribed, shall not be affected 
thereby. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

268 (315). The issue of a charter, as provided in the preceding sec- 
tion, shall vacate the warrant under which such subordinate lodge was insti- 
tuted, and such warrant shall be at once returned to and deposited with the 
grand keeper of records and seal of the grand lodge granting the charter; 
and no act done under such warrant, after the issue of a charter in lieu 
thereof, shall be valid or legal. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

269 (316). Should the warrant or charter of a subordinate lodge be 
lost or destroyed, the grand chancellor of the grand lodge within whose 
domain such subordinate lodge is located may issue a warrant to serve in 
lieu of such warrant or charter until the next convention of such grand 
lodge, when, upon petition of such subordinate lodge, and at the pleasure 
of such grand lodge, a duplicate warrant or charter may be issued. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

270 (317). No meeting of a subordinate lodge shall be legal unless 
its warrant or charter be displayed in the manner required by the Supreme 
constitution. The flag of the country in which such lodge is located 
should also be displayed therein. (1900.) 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

271 (318). No subordinate lodge shall surrender its warrant or char- 
ter so long as seven members shall vote against such surrender, nor unless 
two weeks' notice in writing of the convention at which the proposed sur- 
render is to be acted on shall have been given to every member of the lodge. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

272 (319). Two or more subordinate lodges within the domain of the 
same grand lodge may be consolidated under the warrant or charter of 
either of them, or under a new warrant or charter, on such terms and in 
such manner as may be determined by the grand lodge within whose do- 
main they are located ; provided that no subordinate lodge shall be so con- 
solidated with another, except by formal vote of such lodges, and after at 
least two weeks' notice of the proposed action has been given to every mem- 
ber thereof ; provided also, that no subordinate lodge shall be consolidated 
with another so long as seven members thereof shall vote against such 



Part II.] STATUTES. 87 

consolidation ; and provided further, that all members of subordinate lodges 
consolidated, and all persons holding unrevoked withdrawal cards issued 
thereby, or under suspension by such lodges, shall hold the same relation 
to the consolidated lodge as they held to their respective lodges at the date 
of such consolidation. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

273 (320). The warrant or charter of a subordinate lodge which shall 
be guilty of conduct disloyal or discreditable to the order, or which shall 
neglect or refuse to conform to, observe or enforce the Supreme law or 
any mandate of the Supreme Tribunal or of the Supreme Chancellor, or any 
law of its grand lodge, or any mandate of the grand chancellor thereof, 
or either of them, or the membership of which may diminish to less than 
ten members, may be suspended or revoked in the manner provided by 
the laws of the grand lodge of the grand domain in which such subordinate 
lodge is located; provided, no such warrant or charter shall be suspended 
or revoked until the lodge shall have been duly notified of its alleged 
offence, and opportunity given for answer and defence ; nor shall any such 
warrant or charter be revoked except by formal vote of its grand lodge. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

274 (321). The warrant or charter of a subordinate lodge, which has 
been surrendered or suspended in accordance with the provisions of this 
chapter, may be restored to the members thereof who petition for such re- 
storation, at the pleasure of the grand lodge within whose domain it is 
located, or of the grand chancellor thereof; and in such case the members 
thereof and all persons holding unrevoked withdrawal cards from, or under 
suspension by, such subordinate lodge, shall hold the same relation to the 
reinstated lodge as they held thereto at the date of the surrender or sus- 
pension Of its warrant or charter. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

275 (322). A warrant or charter which has been revoked under the 
provisions of this chapter may be restored by the grand lodge to such of the 
members thereof as petition therefor. Such lodge, so reorganized, shall 
have jurisdiction or control only over the persons to whom such warrant 
or charter may have been restored, except as others may subsequently be- 
come members thereof in the manner provided by law. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

CHAPTER II. 

MEMBERSHIP FEES. 

276 (323). Subject to provisions of this chapter and to the requirement 
of the Supreme constitution that the total amount of the fee for the three 
ranks shall not be less than ten dollars in the currency of the United States 
of America, or its equivalent in the currency of the country in which the 
lodge is located, a grand lodge may prescribe by law the amount of the 
fee that shall be charged by each of its subordinate lodges for the ranks 
of knighthood; provided that, at the institution of a new lodge, the 



88 SUPREME [Division III, 

amount of the prescribed fee for the three ranks must be paid to the insti- 
tuting officer before an applicant for the ranks of knighthood in such new 
lodge can be legally elected to receive them ; and provided further, that 
not less than one-third of the total amount of the fee prescribed for the 
ranks of knighthood must be paid into the exchequer of an existing lodge 
before an applicant for membership therein by initiation can be legally 
elected to receive the ranks of knighthood. 

277 (324). The fee to be charged by a subordinate lodge for member- 
ship therein by the deposit of a transfer card shall be as prescribed by the 
grand lodge having jurisdiction, subject to the provisions of section 184 of 
these statutes. Such fee must be paid into the exchequer of the lodge 
before the applicant can be legally elected to membership. 

278 (325). The fee to be charged by a subordinate lodge for member- 
ship therein by the deposit of a withdrawal card, grand lodge card or Su- 
preme Lodge card shall be as prescribed by the grand lodge having juris- 
diction, subject to the provisions of section 184 of these statutes. Such 
fee must be paid into the exchequer of the lodge before the applicant can 
be legally elected to membership. 

279 (327). Should a grand lodge fail or refuse to avail itself of the 
privileges conferred by this chapter, the subordinate lodges within its do- 
main may exercise said privileges under the same restrictions that are 
placed upon their exercise by a grand lodge, until such time as the grand 
lodge shall enact legislation upon the subject. 



CHAPTER III. 

GRAND LODGE CARDS. 

280 (278). A member of a subordinate lodge which shall have be- 
come defunct may make application for a grand lodge card to the grand 
chancellor of the grand lodge in whose domain said defunct lodge was situ- 
ate, accompanying his application with satisfactory proof of his good stand- 
ing in his subordinate lodge when the same became defunct, together with 
the fee for the card; whereupon the grand chancellor shall endorse his 
order upon the application, directing the grand keeper of records and seal 
to issue to the applicant a grand lodge card. 

281 (279). A member of a subordinate lodge which shall have be- 
come defunct, who is under suspension for non-payment of dues, may make 
application to the grand chancellor of the grand lodge in whose domain 
said defunct lodge was situate for a grand lodge card, accompanying his 
application with the fee for the card and the amount of one year's dues as 
required by his lodge at the date of his suspension; whereupon the grand 
chancellor shall endorse his order upon the application, and shall cause a 
grand lodge card :o be issued and delivered to the applicant, as provided 
in the preceding section. 



Part II.] STATUTES. 89 

282 (288). The form of grand lodge card shall be as follows: 

GRAND LODGE CARD. 



' The Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, through : ; 

: seal of : : ^fal of : 

: supreme : the Grand Lodge of , has granted : gpand 

: lodge. : m : lodge. 

this Grand Lodge card to (whose 



proper signature is written in the margin hereof), who was formerly a 

member of Lodge, No. (now defunct), at 

in the domain of said grand lodge, who had attained the rank of , 

and, at his own request, has received this grand lodge card. 

Membership in the order by the holder hereof terminated upon the 
granting of this card. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto affixed our signatures and the 

seal of this grand lodge, this day of , 190 , 

P. ?. — . 



Grand Chancellor. 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. 



Note. — This card will remain in force until revoked or deposited (unless otherwise 
ordered by the Supreme Lodge), and the holder shall be subject to all laws and regulations 
relating thereto, as established by the Supreme Lodge. It can not be used as a visiting 
credential, nor as evidence of the attainment of any honor or rank other than the ranks of 
knighthood. Such honor or other rank must be evidenced by a separate credential therefor. 



I 



1 



CHAPTER IV. 

REINSTATEMENT. 

283 (301). If a person who is under suspension, either "definite," or 
"indefinite," shall desire reinstatement prior to the expiration of such sus- 
pension, he may petition the grand chancellor of the grand domain in which 
the lodge by which he was suspended is located, for permission to apply to 
such lodge for reinstatement. He shall accompany such petition with a 
full statement of the facts upon which he relies to justify his application, 
and by proof that he has notified the lodge of his intention to make such 
petition. If such petition be granted by the grand chancellor, the peti- 
tioner may thereupon make application for immediate reinstatement to 
the lodge by which he was suspended, and such lodge may, after hearing, 
grant the application for reinstatement, or may reduce the term of suspen- 
sion ; provided at least one week's notice shall have been given to every 
member of such lodge of the meeting at which action thereon will be taken, 
and provided also that not less than two-thirds of the members present at 
such meeting, and entitled to vote, shall vote in favor thereof. 

284 (302). When a lodge by whose action a person is under "indefi- 
nite" suspension, or under "definite" suspension the term of which has not 
expired, has become defunct, and such person desires reinstatement in the 
order, he may petition the grand chancellor of the grand domain in which 
such defunct lodge was located, for permission to apply to any subordinate 



90 SUPRKMK [Division III, 

lodge within whose territorial jurisdiction he resides, for reinstatement to 
membership in the order; whereupon said grand chancellor shall make 
such investigation as he may deem advisable and necessary as to the pro- 
priety of granting the petition, and shall submit the petition, together with 
the results of his investigation, to his grand lodge at its next convention. 
Should the grand lodge grant the petition, the grand keeper of records and 
seal shall give the petitioner official printed or written notice thereof, in 
manner and form as follows : 

Grand Lodge of > K. P., 

, 190— P. P. . 

To , formerly a member of 

Lodge, No. (defunct), of this grand domain: 

Whereas, on or about the day of , 190 , after due 

trial, you were, for cause, duly suspended for the term of ; 

and whereas, after such suspension, and before its termination, said lodge 
became defunct, and so remains ; and whereas, you have, in accordance 
with the forms of law, filed with the grand chancellor of this grand lodge 
a petition for permission to apply for reinstatement to membership in the 
order; and whereas, after due hearing, this grand lodge has granted the 
prayer of said petition ; now, therefore, this notice thereof is issued to you, 

the said , and shall have the same force as, 

and may be used in lieu of, a withdrawal card. 

In witness whereof, I have hereto affixed my official signature and the 
seal of this grand lodge, the day and year first above written. 



Attest: Grand Chancellor. 



seal of : 

GRAND ! 
LODGB. I 



Grand Keeper of Records and Seal. 

Such official notice shall have the same force as, and may be used in lieu 
of, a withdrawal card. If the lodge described in sections 283 and 284 of 
this chapter was under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, or if 
its warrant has been revoked, or if the grand lodge in whose domain such 
lodge was located has become defunct, the petition herein referred to shall 
be made to the Supreme Chancellor, and shall be submitted by him to the 
Supreme Lodge, for its action. If the petition be granted by the Supreme 
Lodge, the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall give to the petitioner 
official notice thereof in manner and form similar to that herein prescribed 
for official notice of the action of a grand lodge. 

285 (354a). If a member who has been expelled shall desire reinstate- 
ment, he may petition the grand chancellor of the grand domain in which 
the lodge by which he was expelled is located, for permission to apply to 
such lodge for reinstatement. He shall accompany such petition with a 
full statement of the facts upon which he relies to justify his application, 



Part II.] STATUTES. 91 

and by proof that he has notified the lodge of his intention to make such 
petition. If such petition be granted by the grand chancellor, the petitioner 
may thereupon make application for reinstatement to the lodge by which 
he was expelled, and such lodge may, after hearing, grant the application 
for reinstatement; provided at least one week's notice of the convention at 
which action thereon will be taken shall have been given to every member 
of the lodge ; and provided, also, that not less than two-thirds of the mem- 
bers present at such convention and entitled to vote, shall vote in favor 
thereof. (1898.) 

286 (354b). When a lodge by whose action a member has been ex- 
pelled becomes defunct, he may petition the grand chancellor of the domain 
in which such defunct lodge was located for reinstatement to membership 
in the order. He shall accompany such petition with a full statement of 
the facts upon which he relies to justify his application; whereupon, the 
grand chancellor shall make such investigation as he may deem advisable 
and necessary as to the propriety of granting the petition, and shall submit 
the petition, together with the results of his investigation, to the grand 
lodge at its next convention. Should the grand lodge grant the petition 
by a two-thirds vote of the members present, the grand chancellor shall 
direct the grand keeper of records and seal to issue to the applicant a grand 
lodge card, and shall cause to be endorsed thereon a brief statement of the 
facts in the case. The fee for the issuance of the grand lodge card shall 
be governed by the statutes of the grand domain providing for the issuance 
of grand lodge cards. (1898.) 

CHAPTER V. 

FUNDS. 

287 (328). The receipts from fees and dues and the increments thereof 
shall constitute a trust fund for carrying out the fraternal and beneficial 
features of the order, and shall not be expended for any other than those 
purposes and the payment of the necessary expenses of the lodge, as those 
purposes and expenses may be determined legislatively or judicially by the 
grand lodge having jurisdiction, which grand lodge shall also determine the 
vote that shall be necessary to make an expenditure from the fund, and the 
manner in which it may be invested, if at all. This fund shall not be sub- 
ject to partition among the members of a lodge; and in case a lodge shall 
from any cause cease to exist, said fund shall revert to the grand lodge 
within whose domain the lodge is located. 

Jefferson Valley Lodge. No. 11, vs. Stradford, 6 S. T., 49. 

288 (329). The receipts from fines and assessments shall be carried to 
such fund or funds as the grand lodge having jurisdiction may direct, and 
shall be expended only in such manner, by such vote and for such purposes 
as said grand lodge may determine. 

289 (330). The receipts from donations or bequests shall be carried to 
such fund or funds, or applied to such purpose or purposes, as the donors 



92 SUPREME [Division III, 

may direct, provided such direction is in conformity with the principles and 
purposes of the order ; and provided further that, should the donation or 
bequest be made without directions as to the purpose to which it shall be 
applied, such donation or bequest shall be carried to the trust fund. 



PART III. 

UNDER THE IMMEDIATE CONTROL OF THE SUPREME LODGE. 

CHAPTER I. 

WARRANTS. 

290 (338). Every subordinate lodge in territory not within the domain 
of a grand lodge shall be under the immediate control of the Supreme 
Lodge, until such territory shall be attached to or become a part of the 
domain of a grand lodge. 

291 (331). Whenever ten or more persons, eligible under the Supreme 
law to receive the ranks of knighthood, shall desire to establish a subordi- 
nate lodge of the order in territory not within the domain of a grand lodge, 
they may petition the Supreme Chancellor for a warrant for such subordi- 
nate lodge. Such petition shall be signed by each petitioner in his own 
handwriting, giving the age, residence and occupation of each, and shall 
be in the following form: 

To the Supreme Chancellor of the Order of Knights of Pythias: 

The undersigned represent that they are white males, of good moral 
character, not less than twenty-one and not more than fifty years of age, 
believers in a Supreme Being, in good health and sound in mind and body, 
able to read and write, and not engaged in either of the occupations known 
as professional gambler, saloon-keeper, bar-tender or retail dealer in spirit- 
uous liquors, wine, ale or beer (except bona fide hotel-keepers or drug- 
gists) ; that they believe in the maintenance of order and the upholding 
of constituted authority in the government in which they live; that they 
have not within six months been rejected as applicants for the ranks of 
knighthood; and that they have been for the six months last past actual 
residents of this state [territory, district, province]. 

They respectfully petition that you will grant them a warrant for the 
institution and establishment of a subordinate lodge of the order of 

Knights of Pythias, to be located at — , county 

[parish] of , state [territory, district, province] of 

, and to be known as " Lodge [with such 

number as you may designate], Knights of Pythias, of 

[state, territory, district, province]." 

Should this petition be granted, we hereby covenant and agree that we 
will, as individuals and as a lodge, in all respects observe and obey the 
Supreme law of the order. 



Part III.] STATUTES. 93 

The transfer cards, withdrawal cards, grand lodge cards or Supreme 
Lodge cards held by any of us are hereto attached. 

292 (332). The petition described in the foregoing section shall be 
forwarded to the Supreme Chancellor. In case any of the petitioners are 
holders of transfer cards, withdrawal cards, grand lodge cards or Supreme 
Lodge cards, then such cards shall accompany such petition. If the Su- 
preme Chancellor, after due investigation, shall determine to grant such 
petition, he shall cause a warrant for the institution of such subordinate 
lodge to be issued at once by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, 
in form as follows : 

SUPREME LODGE KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

To whom it may concern: 

Whereas [names of applicants] have petitioned the undersigned, Su- 
preme Chancellor of the order of Knights of Pythias, for the institution of 
a subordinate lodge of the order ; 

Now, therefore, know ye that I, as such Supreme Chancellor, being 
duly authorized by the Supreme law of the order, do hereby grant this war- 
rant for the institution of such lodge, to be known as 

Lodge, No. , Knights of Pythias, of [state, territory, 

district, province], located at ; hereby investing it with all 

the powers and privileges conferred by the Supreme law upon a subordi- 
nate lodge of the order. 

This warrant may be suspended by the Supreme Chancellor or revoked 
by the Supreme Lodge, in the manner provided by law; but unless so 
suspended or revoked, it shall be valid until vacated by the issue of a 
charter in lieu thereof. 

In witness whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the Supreme Lodge 
to be affixed, and my signature to be attested by the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, this day of , 190 — , P. P. . 



seal of : 
supreme: 

LODGE. : 



Attest: Supreme Chancellor. 



Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

293 (332a). It shall be the duty of the instituting officer of a lodge 
under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, within twenty-four 
hours after the institution of such lodge, to make out, on blanks to be fur- 
nished by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal for that purpose, dupli- 
cate reports, one of which shall be immediately forwarded by registered 
mail to the Supreme Chancellor, and the other to the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal. (1902). 

294 (333). No warrant shall be granted to a subordinate lodge under 
the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge to be known by a name or 
title which is the name or title of a living person. 

295 (334). Should the warrant of a subordinate lodge under the im- 
mediate control of the Supreme Lodge be lost or destroyed, the Supreme 



94 SUPREME [Division III, 

Chancellor, upon satisfactory prooi of such loss or destruction, shall cause 
to be issued a duplicate of said warrant. 

296 (335). A subordinate lodge under the immediate control of the 
Supreme Lodge shall not surrender its warrant so long as seven members 
of such lodge shall vote against such proposed surrender. 

297 (336). The warrant of a subordinate lodge under the immediate 
control of the Supreme Lodge, which has been surrendered or suspended 
in accordance with law, may be restored to the members of such lodge 
who petition for such restoration, at the pleasure of the Supreme Chan- 
cellor or of the Supreme Lodge; and in such case, the members of such 
lodge and all persons holding unrevoked or undeposited withdrawal cards 
issued from, or under suspension by, such subordinate lodge, shall hold the 
same relation to the reinstated lodge as they held thereto at the date of the 
surrender or suspension of the warrant thereof. 

298 (337). Two or more subordinate lodges under the immediate 
control of the Supreme Lodge may be consolidated under the warrant of 
either of them, or under a new warrant, on such terms and in such man- 
ner as may be determined by the Supreme Lodge ; provided that no subordi- 
nate lodge shall be so consolidated with another, except by formal vote of 
such lodges, and after at least two weeks' notice of the proposed action 
has been given to every member thereof ; provided also, that no subordinate 
lodge shall be consolidated with another so long as seven members thereof 
shall vote against such consolidation; and provided, further, that all mem- 
bers of subordinate lodges consolidated, and all persons holding unrevoked 
withdrawal cards issued thereby, or under suspension of such lodges, shall 
hold the same relation to the consolidated lodge as they held to their 
respective lodges at the date of such consolidation. 



CHAPTER II. 

MEMBERSHIP FEES. 

299 (346). The fee to be charged for the ranks of knighthood, at the 
institution of a new lodge under the immediate control of the Supreme 
Lodge, may be determined by a majority vote of all those who shall have 
signed the petition for warrant ; but such amount shall not be less than ten 
dollars in the currency of the United States of America, or its equivalent 
in the currency of the country in which the new lodge is located, and the 
total amount of said fee must be paid to the instituting officer before an 
applicant for the ranks of knighthood in such new lodge can be legally 
elected to receive them. 

300 (347). The fee to be charged the holder of a transfer card, a 
withdrawal card, a grand lodge card or a Supreme Lodge card, for 
admission as a warrant member of a new lodge under the immediate 
control of the Supreme Lodge, shall not be more than one dollar. (1902.) 



Part III.] STATUTES. 95 

301 (348). The fee to be charged by an existing subordinate lodge 
under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge for the ranks of 
knighthood may be fixed by the lodge, subject to the requirement of the 
Supreme constitution that the total amount of the fee for the three ranks 
shall not be less than ten dollars in the currency of the United States 
of America, or its equivalent in the currency of the country in which 
the lodge is located. The amount of such fee shall be set forth in the 
by-laws of the lodge, and not less than one-third of the total amount of 
such fee must be paid into the treasury of the lodge before an applicant 
for membership therein by initiation can be legally elected to receive the 
ranks of knighthood. 

302 (349). The fee to be charged by a subordinate lodge under the 
immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, for membership by the deposit of 
a transfer card shall be fixed by the lodge and prescribed in its by-laws ; but 
the amount of such fee shall not be less than one-third of the total amount 
of the fee that the lodge prescribes for the ranks of knighthood. The total 
amount of such fee must be paid into the exchequer of the lodge before an 
applicant can be legally elected as a member. 

303 (350). The fee to be charged by a subordinate lodge under the 
immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, for membership by the deposit of 
a withdrawal card, a grand lodge card or a Supreme Lodge card, shall be 
fixed by the lodge and prescribed in its by-laws; but the amount of such 
fee shall not be less than one-third of the total amount of the fee which 
the lodge prescribes for the ranks of knighthood. The total amount of the 
fee so prescribed must be paid into the exchequer of the lodge before the 
applicant can be legally elected to membership. 

304 (351). The fee to be charged by a subordinate lodge under the 
immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, for reinstatement to membership 
of a member suspended for non-payment of arrearages may be fixed by the 
lodge, and shall be prescribed in its by-laws; "but the amount of such fee 
shall not be less than the amount of one year's dues, nor greater than the 
total amount of the fee which the lodge prescribes for the ranks of knight- 
hood. The total amount of the reinstatement fee so prescribed must be 
paid into the exchequer of the lodge before an applicant for reinstatement 
can be legally restored to membership. 



CHAPTER III. 

SUPREME LODGE CARDS. 

305 (280). A member of a subordinate lodge under the immediate con- 
trol of the Supreme Lodge, which has become defunct, may make application 
to the Supreme Chancellor for a Supreme Lodge card, accompanying his 
application with satisfactory proof of his good standing in his subordinate 
lodge when the same became defunct, together with the fee for the card; 
whereupon the Supreme Chancellor shall endorse upon the application his 



96 SUPREME [Division III, 

order directing the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal to issue to the 
applicant a Supreme Lodge card. 

306 (281). A member of a subordinate lodge under the immediate 
control of the Supreme Lodge, which shall have become defunct, who is 
under suspension for non-payment of dues, may make application to the 
Supreme Chancellor for a Supreme Lodge card, accompanying his applica- 
tion with the fee for the card and the amount of one year's dues as re- 
quired by his lodge at the date of his suspension ; whereupon the Supreme 
Chancellor shall endorse his order upon the application, and shall cause a 
Supreme Lodge card to be issued and delivered to the applicant as provided 
in the preceding section. 

307 (289). The form of Supreme Lodge card shall be as follows: 

SUPREME LODGE CARD. 

The Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias has granted this Supreme 

Lodge card to (whose proper signature is written 

in the margin hereof), who was formerly a member of 

Lodge, No. (now defunct), at , in the 

— of , who had attained the 

rank of , and, at his own request, has received this 

Supreme Lodge card. 

Membership in the order by the holder hereof terminated upon the 
granting of this card. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto affixed our signatures and the 

Great Seal of the Supreme Lodge, this day of , 190 , 

P. P. . 



SEAL OF 

SUPREME 

LODGE. 



Attest : Supreme Chancellor. 



Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

Note. — This card will remain in force until revoked or deposited (unless otherwise 
ordered by the Supreme Lodge), and the holder shall be subject to all laws and regulations 
relating thereto, as established by the Supreme Lodge. It can not be used as a visiting 
credential nor as evidence of the attainment of any honor or rank other than the ranks of 
knighthood. Such honor or other rank must be evidenced by a separate credential therefor. 



CHAPTER IV. 

FUNDS. 

308 (352). The receipts by a subordinate lodge under the immediate 
control of the Supreme Lodge from fees and dues and their increments 
shall constitute a trust fund for carrying out the fraternal and beneficial 
features of the order, and shall not be expended for any other than those 
purposes and the payment of the necessary expenses of the lodge. When 
there shall accumulate a sufficient amount in this fund to warrant an invest- 
ment, it may be made, provided the amount it is proposed to invest shall 



Part III.] STATUTES. 97 

not be so great as to inconvenience the lodge in carrying out its fraternal, 
beneficial and financial obligations; and provided further that such invest- 
ment shall be made only in the bonds of the state, district, territory or 
province, or of the county, city or town thereof, in which the lodge is 
located, or loaned on unencumbered real estate reasonably worth double the 
amount that is loaned. This fund shall not be subject to partition among 
the members of the lodge; and in case a lodge shall from any cause cease 
to exist, said fund shall revert to the Supreme Lodge. 

309 (353). The receipts from fines and assessments shall be carried to 
such fund or funds as the by-laws of the lodge may direct, and shall be 
expended only by a two-thirds vote, and for such purposes as the by-laws 
of the lodge prescribe. 

310 (354). The receipts from donations or bequests shall be carried 
to such fund or funds, or applied to such purpose or purposes, as the donors 
may direct; provided that, in the absence of such directions, such receipts 
shall be carried to the trust fund. 

CHAPTER V. 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. 

311 (339). Every subordinate lodge under the immediate control of 
the Supreme Lodge shall pay thereto a semi-annual tax of twenty-five 
cents per capita of the membership of such subordinate lodge on the 30th 
day of June and the 31st day of December of each year. Such per capita 
tax shall be forwarded by the lodge to the District Deputy Supreme Chan- 
cellor in charge thereof. 

312 (340). In determining the amount of the per capita tax to be 
paid as provided in the preceding section, pages and esquires shall be con- 
sidered members of a subordinate lodge. 

313 (341). It shall be the duty of each subordinate lodge under the 
immediate control of the Supreme Lodge to make out and forward to the 
District Deputy Supreme Chancellor in charge thereof, on a blank to be 
furnished through him to the said lodge by the Supreme Keeper of Records 
and Seal, and in strict conformity to the forms therein prescribed, a semi- 
annual report? Said report shall contain a statement of the membership of the 
lodge on the preceding 30th day of June, or 31st day of December, as the 
case may be, including the additions thereto and the deductions therefrom 
during the semi-annual term ; a statement of the finances of the lodge dur- 
ing said term ; a list of all past chancellors in good standing in the lodge ; 
and a list of the officers for the ensuing term. 

314 (342). Under no circumstances shall a District Deputy Supreme 
Chancellor communicate the S. A. P. W. to a lodge, or permit the officers 
thereof to be installed, until the report for the preceding semi-annual term 
and the proper amount of per capita tax shall have been delivered to him. 

7 



98 SUPREME [Div. Ill, Part III. 

315 (343). It shall be the duty of the District Deputy Supreme Chan- 
cellor to forward by registered mail, in time to reach the office of the 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal on or before the first day of April 
or the first day of October, as the case may be, the semi-annual reports for 
the preceding term of all the lodges under his jurisdiction, together with 
the aggregate amount of per capita tax due from said lodges. In case of 
the failure of the District Deputy Supreme Chancellor to comply with this 
requirement, the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal shall report the fact 
to the Supreme Chancellor, who shall take such steps as may seem proper to 
him to secure compliance with the law. 

316 (344). If a subordinate lodge under the immediate control of the 
Supreme Lodge shall neglect or refuse for the period of three months to 
hold regular conventions as provided by law, unless it shall have been 
authorized by dispensation duly granted therefor to suspend such con- 
ventions, its warrant may be suspended by the Supreme Chancellor or 
the Supreme Lodge. When such lodge or its warrant is so suspended, 
the warrant, its books, jewels, funds and all of its other property and 
effects, real or personal, shall at once revert to the Supreme Lodge; and 
it shall be the duty of the chancellor commander, trustees or other officer or 
officers or members of such lodge, in custody thereof, to forthwith deliver 
to the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, or the member of the order 
authorized by him to receive the same, said warrant and all other property 
and effects of said lodge ; and the same shall be held by the Supreme Keeper 
of Records and Seal subject to the orders of the Supreme Chancellor or the 
Supreme Lodge. (1896.) 

317 (345)- Whenever a subordinate lodge under the immediate con- 
trol of the Supreme Lodge shall adopt for its own government a constitu- 
tion or code of laws or any amendment thereof, a certified copy thereof 
shall be forwarded at once by the keeper of records and seal of such subor- 
dinate lodge by registered mail to the Supreme Chancellor. If the Supreme 
Chancellor shall find such constitution, laws or amendments thereof in ac- 
cord with the Supreme law, he shall approve them, and certify such ap- 
proval to the subordinate lodge from which they were received. If he 
shall find any portion thereof in conflict with the Supreme law, he shall 
certify his disapproval of such portion, and refer to or cite the Supreme 
law with which the portion so disapproved is in conflict, and shall certify his 
approval of such constitution and laws as so modified. If the Supreme 
Chancellor shall fail to return to the subordinate lodge from which they 
were received such constitution, laws or amendments thereof, within ninety 
days from the date upon which they were received by him, then they shall 
at once become operative and in force without approval by him. 



Div. IV, Part I.] statutes. 99 

DIVISION IV. 

THE BRANCHES OF THE ORDER. 

PART I. 

THE INSURANCE BRANCH. 
CHAPTER I. 

BOARD OF CONTROL. 

318 The Board of Control of the Endowment Rank shall be composed 
of the Supreme Chancellor and the Supreme Vice Chancellor, ex officio, 
and five members who shall be elected by the Supreme Lodge. (1902.) 

3J.9 Any past grand chancellor in good standing who shall have taken 
the Supreme Lodge rank shall be eligible as a member of the Board of 
Control. (1902.) 

320 The terms of the members of the Board of Control shall be as 
follows : For the Supreme Chancellor and the Supreme Vice Chancellor, 
during their terms as such officers respectively; for the elective members, 
the full period of six years and until their successors are elected and quali- 
fied, provided that the present members shall continue as members until the 
expiration of their present terms. (1902.) 

321 Before assuming the duties of his office, each member of the 
Board of Control shall subscribe an obligation in duplicate, one of which 
shall be filed with the Supreme Chancellor and one with the secretary of the 
Board of Control, which obligation shall be substantially in words and 

figures as follows : "I, , do solemnly pledge my knightly honor 

that I will support the Supreme constitution of the order of Knights of 
Pythias, and that I will discharge the duties of a member of the Board of 
Control honestly and faithfully and to the best of my ability. So help me 
God." (1902.) 

322 (355). The Board of Control shall have territorial jurisdiction, 
coextensive with the Supreme Lodge, over all matters pertaining to the 
insurance branch of the order, known as the Endowment Rank, subject to 
the Supreme law. 

323 The Board of Control shall meet quarterly after ten days' notice, 
beginning on such day of the months of January, April, July and October, 
as shall be designated by the president of the board. Special meetings 
may be called by the president whenever by him deemed necessary, and 

LefC. 



100 supreme [Division IV, 

shall be by him so called upon the written request of any three members. 
Four members shall constitute a quorum, and no business shall be trans- 
acted at any meeting unless a quorum be present. A majority vote of the 
members present shall be required to take affirmative action. Unless other- 
wise provided in the notice, meetings of the board shall be held at its office. 
(1902). 

324 It shall be the duty of the board to attend the Supreme Lodge 
conventions, and the members thereof shall be privileged to take part in 
all discussions affecting Endowment Rank matters. For their serv- 
ices at Supreme Lodge conventions, the members of the board shall receive 
the same compensation as Supreme Representatives, and for their services 
at the sessions of the Board of Control they shall receive out of the funds 
of the Endowment Rank the sum of ten dollars per day, and the same mile- 
age as Supreme Representatives, per diem and mileage to be computed 
according to the manner of computing the same for Supreme Representa- 
tives ; provided, that no member of the Board of Control shall draw mileage 
and per diem both as a member of the Supreme Lodge and of the Board of 
Control for the same journey or day, or double compensation in any event. 
(1902.) 

325 The Board of Control shall have power to* appoint an exec- 
utive committee of three, of which the president shall be a member, from 
among its members or officers, which shall meet at such times as the board 
shall direct, for the purpose of examining, auditing and passing upon all 
proofs of death, claims and expenditures, applications for membership 
and reinstatements, and generally all matters of detail in the transaction 
of the business of the Endowment Rank, and shall, in all acts and things, 
be under and follow the instructions that may be theretofore given by the 
Board of Control. The secretary of the board shall keep full and accurate 
minutes of the meetings of the executive committee, showing all action by 
it, and such minutes shall be submitted to the board for its action at each 
regular meeting. No expenditures shall be made or liability incurred on 
behalf of the Endowment Rank during a recess of the Board of Control, 
unless the same shall have been first submitted to and ordered by the exec- 
utive committee. A majority of the committee shall constitute a quorum, 
with power to transact business. Any member of such committee not an 
officer shall receive for his services the sum of ten dollars per day and five 
cents per mile, mileage and per diem to be computed according to the 
manner of computing mileage and per diem for Supreme Representatives, 
the time not to exceed fifty days in two years. (1902.) 

320 The officers of the Board of Control, other than the president, 
shall be elected at the first quarterly meeting after each regular convention 
of the Supreme Lodge, unless the board shall, for good cause, adjourn 
such election to a later date. Such officers shall be as follows : President 
of the Board, secretary, general counsel, medical examiner in chief. (1902.) 



Part I.] STATUTES. 101 

327 The terms of the officers of the Board of Control, except the 
president, shall be during the pleasure of the board, and in the event of a 
vacancy, either by resignation, death or otherwise, such vacancy shall be 
rilled, until v the next regular meeting of the board, by appointment of the 
Supreme Chancellor. (1902.) 

328 Each officer, before entering upon the discharge of the duties 

of his position, shall take and subscribe the following obligation: "I, , 

do solemnly pledge my knightly honor that I will support the Supreme 
constitution of the order of Knights of Pythias and that I will discharge the 
duties of [naming position] honestly and faithfully and to the best of my 
ability. So help me God." The obligation shall be in writing and in dupli- 
cate, one of which shall be filed with the Supreme Chancellor and one with 
the President of the Board. (1902.) 

329 (356). The president of the Board of Control shall have authority 
to address to any grand or subordinate lodge of the order any communica- 
tion or circular pertaining to or connected with the insurance branch of 
the order or its business. 

330 (357). The president of the Board of Control, in addition to his 
duties as prescribed in the laws of the insurance branch of the order, shall 
make to the Supreme Lodge, at each biennial convention, a full report of 
the operations of such insurance branch during the preceding biennial term, 
together with any recommendations which he may deem necessary or de- 
sirable for the promotion of the interests and growth of such insurance 
branch. 

331 The president, under the direction of the Board of Control, 
shall have general supervision of the Endowment Rank. He shall preside 
at the meetings of the board, shall sign officially all warrants issued and 
attested by the secretary for the purpose of liquidating the liabilities of the 
rank, and such other documents as may require his signature, and shall 
discharge all other duties required of him by the Supreme constitution and 
statutes or directed by the Board of Control. He shall give a bond condi- 
tioned for the faithful discharge of his duties and for the accounting of 
all moneys which shall or may come into his hands, such bond to be exe- 
cuted by a surety company as surety and to be approved by and filed with 
the Supreme Chancellor. For his services the president shall receive such 
compensation as the Board of Control may from time to time direct. 
(1902.) 

332 The secretary of the Board of Control shall receive all moneys 
due the Endowment Rank, deposit the same daily with the depositary, and 
each day notify the president of the board and the Supreme Chancellor of 
the amount of gross receipts and deposits and expenditures. He shall, 
Under the direction of the executive committee and the Board of Control, 
supervise the printing of all documents, blanks, forms, reports, etc., neces- 
sary for the detailed work of the rank. He shall keep official registers 



102 supreme [Division IV, 

of all matters requiring registration, together with books showing dis- 
tinctly all receipts and disbursements, and such registers and books shall 
be so kept as to show from time to time the general status of the Endow- 
ment Rank, both as to membership and finances. He shall issue and attest 
all warrants drawn on the depositary, and attest, under seal of the board, 
all official documents signed by the president; prepare quarterly the statis- 
tical and financial exhibits for the report of the Board of Control, and 
make such other reports as may be called for by the president; keep 
an accurate record of the reports and proceedings of the board, and per- 
form all other duties required of him by the Supreme statutes or which may 
be directed by the Board of Control. He snail give such bond for the faith- 
ful discharge of his duties and for the accounting of all moneys which may 
come into his hands as shall be deemed by the board sufficient, such bond 
to be executed by such a surety couipany as is approved by the board and 
filed with the Supreme Chancellor. For his services the secretary shall 
receive such compensation as the board may from time to time direct. 
(1902.) 

333 The general counsel shall be a duly licensed and practising attor- 
ney at law of one of the states or territories of the United States. He 
shall be the general advisory officer of the board on all matters of a legal 
nature, and shall, upon request, give his opinion in writing upon any mat- 
ter concerning the Endowment Rank to the board or any officer or member 
thereof. He shall have charge, subject to the board, of all litigation to 
which the Supreme Lodge, through the Endowment Rank, may be a party 
or in which it is interested ; and shall perform such other services as may be 
required of him by the board. He shall give a bond in such sum as the 
board may direct for the accounting and prompt payment of all moneys 
which may come into his hands, and for the faithful discharge o'f his duties 
as such officer, with a surety company to be approved by the Board of 
Control as surety, such bond to be filed with the Supreme Chancellor. He 
shall receive such compensation for his services as the board may from time 
to time direct. (1902.) 

334 The Medical Examiner in Chief shall examine all applications 
for membership in the Endowment Rank and report his action thereof to 
the Board of Control, stating whether the applicants are acceptable risks 
or not, and registering the same in an official » register, noting the action 
taken, and if not deemed acceptable, stating the cause. He shall deliver all 
applications passed upon to the secretary for the action of the executive 
committee. He shall examine all applications for appointment as local 
or section medical examiners, as to character and qualifications, and shall 
report thereon to the Board of Control. He shall submit quarterly to the 
Board of Control a report showing the transactions of his office, together 
with such information and recommendations as may be deemed necessary, 
and shall perform such other services as the Board of Control shall direct. 
He shall give a bond conditioned for the faithful accounting and payment of 



Part I.] STATUTES. 105 

any moneys which shall come to his hand, and for the well and faithful 
performance of his duties in such sum as may be deemed by the board 
sufficient, with a surety company as surety, to be approved by the board, 
such bond to be filed with the Supreme Chancellor. For his services he 
shall receive such compensation as the board may from time to time direct. 
(1902.) 

335 The Board of Control shall deposit, or cause to be deposited, 
daily, the funds of the Endowment Rank in such bank or banks as it may 
deem proper; provided, that a bank in which shall be kept the current 
funds or open account, to be known as the Endowment Rank depositary, 
shall be designated by the board at the first quarterly meeting after the 
close of the Supreme Lodge, or as soon thereafter as the board shall be able 
to make a satisfactory contract with such depositary. (1902.) 

336 The Board of Control shall enforce all provisions of the Su- 
preme constitution and statutes in relation to the Endowment Rank, and, 
except as otherwise provided, shall have full power and authority to 
manage, carry on and conduct the business of the rank, and shall employ- 
all necessary assistants and clerks and fix the compensation therefor, and 
may remove the same at pleasure. The president and secretary of the 
board, acting jointly, are authorized to execute such bonds as may be 
required in proceedings at law or otherwise, to which the Supreme Lodge, 
by reason of any matters growing out of the Endowment Rank, may be 
a party or interested; provided, that if such bonds shall exceed the sum 
of fifteen thousand dollars, the same shall be executed by the Supreme 
Chancellor and the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, acting jointly 
with the president and secretary aforesaid. It is authorized to hold and 
disburse the funds of the Endowment Rank, and may invest the same from 
time to time, in securities readily convertible into cash, provided, such 
investments shall be limited to government or state bonds — such invest- 
ment, before being made, to be authorized in writing by five members 
of the board. It is authorized to make special assessments upon all mem- 
bers of the Endowment Rank when necessary to meet the liabilities of 
the rank. It shall make quarterly reports to sections of the Endowment 
Rank, giving its financial condition and such other information concerning 
it as may be deemed necessary, four copies of such report to be sent to 
each section and a copy to each officer and member of the Supreme Lodge. 
It shall prepare and submit a full and complete report of its acts and 
decisions and the condition of the Endowment Rank to the Supreme Lodge 
at each regular convention, and at such other times to the Supreme Chan- 
cellor as may be required by him. (1902.) 

337 Nothing herein shall prohibit the Board of Control, with the 
written concurrence of not less than five of its members, from using any 
funds of the Endowment Rank that may be in its possession or under 
its control, or from selling, transferring, pledging or otherwise disposing 
of any property, real or personal, or securities held in trust by it for the 



104 supreme [Division IV > 

Endowment Rank, and using the proceeds derived therefrom for the pro- 
tection of the rights, interests and investments of the Endowment Rank in 
the property known as the Lexington Hotel property, situated in the City 
of Chicago, State of Illinois, or for the protection of any other investment 
of said rank, whether the same be in real estate or otherwise. (1902.) 

338 The Board of Control, with the concurrence of five members 
thereof in writing, is hereby authorized, empowered and directed, whenever 
in its judgment it may become necessary or be deemed advisable in order 
to protect any existing investment of the funds of the Endowment Rank, 
to take such action as it may deem best in the premises, and for that 
purpose to purchase any real estate in which the funds of the Endowment 
Rank may be invested, and to use so much of the funds or securities of 
said Rank as may be necessary to pay the balance therefor, over and 
above the amount already invested therein, and in case there should not 
be sufficient funds on hand or available for that purpose, to incur debt 
to the amount and extent necessary to make said purchase and execute 
evidences of indebtedness in the name of the Supreme Lodge Knights 
of Pythias, the same to be signed by the Supreme Chancellor, attested by 
the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal and sealed with the Great Seal 
of the Supreme Lodge. (1902.) 

339 Whenever the Board of Control shall, in accordance with the 
powers herein granted it, purchase any real estate, securities or credits, 
the title to which shall be in writing, the title thereto shall be taken in 
the name of the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, and accepted by the 
Supreme Chancellor, attested by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal 
under the Great Seal of the Supreme Lodge ; and whenever said board shall 
have expressed its desire in writing, as herein provided, and that in its 
opinion it is necessary or advisable to dispose of by sale, mortgage, pledge, 
deed of trust or otherwise any real estate, securities or other property 
acquired under the provisions of this act, the Supreme Chancellor shall be 
and he is hereby authorized and empowered to convey title thereto to 
the purchaser, and for that purpose to make, execute and deliver any 
and all instruments or writings in the name of the Supreme Lodge Knights 
of Pythias, or otherwise, that may be necessary for the purpose of con- 
veying, transferring, assigning or disposing of any such real estate, 
securities or other property, the same to be attested by the signature of 
the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal under the Great Seal of the 
Supreme Lodge. (1902.) 

340 Nothing herein shall be construed to authorize the Board of 
Control to make any future investments of the funds of the Endowment 
Rank, not in connection with or protection of the present investments of 
said fund, other than in government or state securities as provided in 
section 336. (1902.) 

341 In advance of the quarterly meetings of the Board of Control, 
the Supreme Chancellor is authorized to appoint a committee of one or 



Part I.] STATUTES. 105 

more members of the Board of Control to audit the books and accounts 
of the officers of the board, to examine into the conditions, securities 
and business of the Endowment Rank, and to report to the Board of 
Control thereon, and to make recommendations with respect thereto. Such 
committee shall receive the same mileage and per diem for such services 
as is paid members of the board for attendance upon board meetings, 
provided, that no member of such committee shall draw double mileage 
and per diem by virtue hereof. (1902.) 

342 The Board of Control is hereby granted full power and au- 
thority to adopt such rules as it may see fit or deem necessary to carry 
out the full intent and purposes of the authority hereby granted to it, and 
to tully effectuate the purposes for which the Endowment Rank was 
created and now exists, such rules when so adopted to have all the force 
of the Supreme law so far as they pertain to the business of the Endow- 
ment Rank. (1902.) 

343 The Board of Control is hereby authorized to issue certificates 
of membership and provide for the payment of the same, in the sum of 
five hundred dollars, one thousand dollars, two thousand, dollars and 
three thousand dollars, as may be applied for under the statutes as enacted 
by the Supreme Lodge and the rules adopted by the Board of Control for 
the government of the Endowment Rank and the membership thereof. 
(1902.) 

344 The Board of Control is hereby authorized to annul any endow- 
ment certificate of membership, when, upon investigation, it finds that 
such certificate has been procured by misrepresentation or fraud, and also 
whenever a member becomes addicted to vices in any form so that, in 
the opinion of the Board of Control, his life or natural expectancy is 
or may be thereby shortened, provided that, in all cases in which certificates 
are annulled, the board shall cause to be refunded to the member a sum 
not to exceed seventy-five per cent of the amount paid by him to the 
Endowment Rank from and after date of the certificate held by such mem- 
ber; provided, however, that no certificate shall be cancelled except upon 
thirty days' written notice to the member, he being given an opportunity 
to be heard in opposition to such cancellation. The Board of Control 
is hereby instructed to include and make the above section of this article 
a part of each certificate of insurance issued from and after the date of the 
adoption of this section. (1901.) 

345 The Board shall hear and determine all appeals from the sec- 
tions and members of the Endowment Rank, and its decisions shall be 
final unless reversed by the Supreme Tribunal, as hereinafter provided. 
(1902.) 

346 Members and sections may prosecute appeals to the Supreme 
Tribunal from decisions of the Board of Control affecting their rights. 
Such appeals must be taken within sixty days from the date of the 



106 SUPREME [Division IV, 

service of the notice of the decision complained of upon the aggrieved 
party. The appellant shall, within that time, serve upon the president or 
secretary of the Board of Control and file with the recorder of the Supreme 
Tribunal a petition setting forth his cause of complaint, and shall attach 
thereto as exhibits all papers relating to the cause of complaint which are 
in his possession or control. The Board of Control shall answer said 
complaint within thirty days after the same is served as above, and shall 
attach to its answer, as exhibits, such papers relating to its defence as it 
deems proper, and all papers in the case which may be called for by the 
petition of the appellant. Thereafter all proceedings shall be in accord- 
ance with the Supreme constitution and statutes and the rules of the 
Supreme Tribunal in cases in which the Supreme Tribunal has original 
jurisdiction. (1902.) 

347 In times of epidemic or upon information of a threatened epi- 
demic, the Board of Control shall have authority to prohibit the admission 
of members in any one or more sections of the Endowment Rank. (1902.) 

348 It shall be the duty of all officers and employees of the Board 
of Control, and of the several sections throughout the Supreme domain, 
to deliver and turn over to their respective successors in office, imme- 
diately upon their election or appointment and qualification, all funds, 
property, books, papers, documents or other matters or things pertaining 
or relating to or connected with the business of the Board of Control, the 
section or the Endowment Rank. (1901.) 

[Note. — The remainder of division iv, part i, being chapters ii to xv inclusive (sections 
349-409), are the same as in force August T2, 1902, heretofore embraced in the general laws, 
rules and regulations of the Endowment Rank.] 



CHAPTER II. 

FORMATION OF SECTIONS AND FORMS OF APPLICATION. 

349 Local branches of the Endowment Rank shall be termed sec- 
tions, and shall exist by virtue of warrants of authority issued by the 
Board of Control as hereinafter provided. 

350 Petitions for sections of the Endowment Rank must be made in 
the form provided by the Board of Control, in substance as follows : 

FORM OF PETITION FOR SECTIONS. 

To the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank Knights of Pythias: 

The undersigned, Knights of Pythias in good standing, respectfully 
apply for a warrant of authority to organize a section of the Endowment 
Rank of the Knights of Pythias, under the jurisdiction of the Supreme 
Lodge Knights of Pythias, to be located at , county of , 



Part I.] 



STATUTES. 



107 



- subject to the provisions of the Supreme constitu- 



and state of 

tion and statutes now in force, or which may hereafter be enacted. Dated 
at , this day of , A. D. 190 — . 



Name — 

Signature 

in full. 




Amount of 

Endowment, 

$500, $1,000, 

$2,000 or $3,000. 



Lodge of 

which 
a member. 



Said petition shall contain the signatures of not less than five Knights 
of Pythias in good standing, not over fifty years of age, and shall be 
forwarded to the Board of Control, accompanied by the individual appli- 
cations of the petitioners, a membership fee of one dollar for each $1,000 
endowment applied for and the first monthly payment and dues of 
each applicant; the payment to be based upon age at nearest birthday to 
date of application, and in accordance with the rates hereinafter provided. 

351 Each applicant, after entering his name upon the petition, must 
make a regular application upon a form provided for by the Board of 
Control, and be examined in accordance with the prescribed "rules for 
medical examiners," by a physician selected by the Board of Control of the 
Endowment Rank, who shall prepare and sign the certificate attached to 
the application. Said application shall contain the following declaration 
and agreement, which shall form the basis of the contract and to which 
each applicant shall subscribe : 

"I hereby declare that I am a member in good standing of the order 
of Knights of Pythias, that I am not now a member of the Endowment 
Rank Knights of Pythias, have never been rejected as an applicant 
thereof, and that I am in sound mental and physical condition; and it 
is further declared that the foregoing answers and statements, whether 
written in my own hand or not, together with the answers and statements 
made or to be made to the medical examiner in the continuance of this, 
application, are warranted to be full, complete and true, and shall, together 
with all the agreements hereinafter made, form the basis of any certificate 
of membership issued hereon. It is agreed by myself and binding upon 
all parties who may hereafter become interested, that if any statement in 
this application, or to the medical examiner or in any certificate of health 
that may be hereafter given, or in the proofs of loss or death, by which 
any certificate of membership issued hereon matures, is untrue, or if 
there shall be any failure or neglect to pay any assessments, monthly 
payments or dues as prescribed by the laws of the rank or order, or 
severing in any manner whatever my membership or connection with 
the order or the Endowment Rank, said certificate shall be null and void, 
and all right, title and interest in and to the same, as well as the rights of 
my heirs and beneficiaries to the benefits and privileges accruing to mem- 
bers in good standing of this rank, shall be forfeited; and I hereby for 



108 supreme [Division IV, 

myself, my heirs, assigns, representatives and beneficiaries expressly waive 
any and all provisions of law, now or hereafter in force, prohibiting or 
excusing any physician heretofore or hereafter attending me professionally 
or otherwise, from disclosing or testifying to any information acquired 
thereby, or making such physician incompetent as a witness ; and I hereby 
consent that any such physician may testify to and disclose any informa- 
tion so derived or received in any suit or proceeding wherein the same 
may be material. The person soliciting or taking this application and also 
the medical examiner shall be held to be the agents of the applicant as 
to all answers and statements in this application. 

"It is agreed that, if death shall result by suicide, whether sane or 
insane, voluntary or involuntary, or if death is caused or superinduced by 
the use of intoxicating liquors or by the use of narcotics or opiates, or 
in consequence of a duel or at the hands of justice or in violation of or 
attempt to violate any criminal law, then there shall be paid only such 
a sum in proportion to the whole amount of the certificate as the matured 
life expectancy at the time of such death is to the entire expectancy at 
date of acceptance of the application by the Board of Control, the ex- 
pectation of life based upon the American experience table of mortality in 
force at the time of such death to govern; and it is agreed that active 
military service, whether in the army or navy, in time of war, shall render 
the certificate issued upon this application null and void. 

"It is agreed that no action at law or in equity shall be brought or 
maintained on any cause or claim arising out of any membership in the 
Endowment Rank Knights of Pythias, or on any certificate issued upon 
this application, unless good and sufficient proof of death is furnished the 
Board of Control of the Endowment Rank within one year from date of 
the death of the member, nor shall such action at law be maintained unless 
suit is commenced within two years from the date of the death of the 
member. 

"It is agreed that membership shall not begin, and the certificate of 
membership issued under this contract shall not be binding or in force 
and effect until this application has been accepted by the Board of Control, 
and all required fees and the first monthly payment has been paid to 
said board. 

"In addition to the above provisions, I hereby agree that I will be 
governed, and this contract shall be. controlled, by the laws enacted by the 
Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias and the rules which may be adopted 
by the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank governing said Rank, 
now in force or that may hereafter from time to time be enacted by said 
Supreme Lodge or Board of Control, or submit to the penalties therein 
contained. 

"To all of which I willingly and freely subscribe. ,, 

352 Sections of the Endowment Rank shall exist by virtue of war- 
rants of authority issued by the Board of Control, in substance, as 
follows : 



Part I.] STATUTES. 109 

FORM OF WARRANT OF AUTHORITY. 

Know ye that the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank Knights 
of Pythias, reposing a special trust and confidence in the following knights 

in good standing in their lodges, and their successors, viz. : , 

doth hereby grant and issue this warrant of authority, to organize a section 

of the Endowment Rank at , county of , state 

f f to be known and hailed as Section No. ; and the 

said Section No. , after being duly and lawfully established, is 

hereby authorized and empowered to admit to membership into this rank 
duly qualified knights in good standing in their lodges according to the 
laws of the Supreme Lodge and the rules adopted by the Board of Control 
of the Endowment Rank as promulgated from time to time. 

And the said Section No. of the Endowment Rank doth sol- 
emnly promise to conform to and abide by the laws enacted by the 
Supreme Lodge and the rules adopted by the Board of Control, Knights 
of Pythias, for the government of the Endowment Rank, and to obey its 
commands and enactments in all things. 

In default thereof, this warrant of authority may be suspended or 
revoked by the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank, and all benefits 
and rights held by each individual member under and by virtue of this 
warrant and his endowment certificate shall be forfeited. 

Signed, sealed and attested by the president and secretary of the Board 
of Control. (1901.) 

353 Sections of the Endowment Rank shall not be organized unless 
the application of at least five petitioners shall have been approved by the 
medical examiner in chief and accepted by the Board of Control. In the 
organization of new sections, the officers (president, vice president and 
secretary) must be elected from the members and their names noted on 
the petition before the same is forwarded to the Board of Control. When 
the required number of applicants for organization is accepted, the Board 
of Control shall issue the warrant of authority and forward it, together 
with the certificate of membership, books, seal and all necessary supplies, 
to the secretary; whereupon the section shall be duly organized. The 
Board of Control shall have the power summarily to remove officers of 
sections whose further continuance in their respective offices, in the judg- 
ment of the Board of Control, is deemed injurious to the interests of 
the Endowment Rank. 

354 Each section of the Endowment Rank shall have an official seal 
of uniform design, numbered to correspond with the number of the section ; 
which seal shall be furnished by the Board of Control and shall be affixed 
to all official documents. 

355 In cities or localities where two or more sections of the Endow- 
ment Rank exist, the Board of Control may, when in its discretion it 
is for the best interest of the Endowment Rank, consolidate said sections 
into one or more general sections. 



110 supreme; [Division IV, 

CHAPTER III. 

MEMBERSHIP FEE AND FORM OF CERTIFICATE. 

356 An applicant for admission to membership in the Endowment 
Rank must be a Knight of Pythias in good standing, not over fifty years 
of age, make application on the form provided by the Board of Control, 
be examined by a competent practising physician appointed by the Board 
of Control of the Endowment Rank, in accordance with the "rules and 
instructions for medical examiners" on said application, pay a membership 
fee of one dollar for each $1,000 endowment applied for and be accepted 
by the Board of Control before he shall be entitled to membership and 
the benefits accruing therefrom. (1901.) 

357 All applications for membership must be sent to the secretary 
of the Board of Control direct, accompanied by the required membership 
fee, first monthly payment and first installment of annual dues as herein- 
after provided. If the applicant be not accepted, all moneys paid by him 
shall be returned by the Board of Control. Membership in the Endowment 
Rank shall begin at twelve o'clock noon of the day on which the application 
is accepted by the Board of Control, and the applicant shall be rated as 
of his age at nearest birthday. 

358 The Board of Control of the Endowment Rank shall, through 
its president and secretary, issue to all members of the rank who are 
entitled thereto, a certificate of membership stipulating the amount of 
endowment applied for and bearing date of issue to correspond with date of 
final acceptance of the application. Said certificate shall contain the fol- 
lowing conditions and provisions : 

FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP, ENDOWMENT RANK KNIGHTS 

OF PYTHIAS. 

This certificate witnesseth that is a member of 

Section No. of the Endowment Rank Knights of Pythias, said mem- 
bership being based upon evidence received that he is a member in good 
standing of a subordinate lodge of the order of the Knights of Pythias, 
and upon the statements and agreements contained in his application 

bearing date of and the statements certified by 

him therein to the medical examiner, which application is filed in the office 
of the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank and made a part of 
this contract. 

In consideration of the payment by said member of the prescribed mem- 
bership fee and of the payment hereafter to said Endowment Rank of 
all monthly payments, assessments and dues as required, and the full 
compliance with all the conditions herein contained and with the laws 
governing this rank, now in force or that may hereafter be enacted by 
the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, and the rules which may be 



Part L] STATUTES. Ill 

adopted by the Board of Control of said rank, and shall be in good standing 
under said laws and rules, the Board of Control of the Endowment 

Rank Knights of Pythias will pay to ■ — the 

sum of dollars out of the endowment fund 

of the rank, in accordance with and under the laws governing the payment 
of benefits, upon due notice and satisfactory proof of death, and good 
standing in the rank at time of death, and a full receipt and surrender 
of this certificate, subject, however, to the conditions and agreements sub- 
scribed to by said member in his application, and to the further conditions 
and agreements hereinafter named; and provided, also that this certificate 
shall not have been surrendered by said member or cancelled at his request 
and another certificate issued in accordance with the laws of the rank. 

Provided, further, that the beneficiary herein designated shall acquire 
no interest whatever in the certificate nor in the endowment fund, until 
the benefit shall have lawfully accrued by reason of the death of said mem- 
ber, and no subsequent change in the beneficiary shall have been made. In 
case of the death of said beneficiary during the lifetime of the member, the 
benefit accruing under this certificate shall be payable as provided for 
in the general laws, rules and regulations of the Endowment Rank. And 
it is understood and agreed that any violation of the within mentioned 
conditions, or the requirements of the laws now or hereafter in force gov- 
erning this rank, shall render this certificate and all claims thereunder null 
and void, and the said Endowment Rank shall not be liable for the above 
sum or any part thereof. 

In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names and affixed 
the seal of the Board of Control Endowment Rank Knights of Pythias, 
at Chicago, Illinois, this day of , 190 — . 



President Board of Control. 

Attest : 

Secretary Board of Control. 

I hereby accept this certificate of membership subject to all the condi- 
tions therein contain. 



Signature of Member. 

Dated at this day of , 190—. 

Attest : ■ 



Secretary Section No. Endowment Rank K. P. 

359 The Board of Control is hereby authorized and empowered to 
cause to be attached to all certificates of membership hereafter issued a 
stipulation in writing, containing such modification, provision or provisions 
as may be necessary to make said certificate conform to and be in harmony 
with the laws of the state or country within which the member to whom 
such certificate shall be issued is a resident ; provided, however, that noth- 



112 supreme [Division IV, 

ing in such modification, provision or provisions contained shall in any 
manner increase or enlarge the liability otherwise provided for in the cer- 
tificate of membership set forth in and by the preceding section. 



CHAPTER IV. 

ENDOWMENT FUNDS, MONTHLY PAYMENTS, CLASSIFICATION OF RISKS, ETC. 

360 The funds of the Endowment Rank shall be placed to the credit 
of the endowment fund, which shall be derived from monthly payments, 
dues, assessments, membership fees, certificate fees, clearance card fees, 
and from all other sources of revenue. 

361 Said fund shall be used for the purpose of paying the legitimate 
death liability, and the expense of administration, in accordance with the 
provisions of the Supreme statutes and the rules for the government of 
the Endowment Rank, and any part of said funds not required to meet 
current liabilities may be invested by the Board of Control, as provided 
for in chapter i. 

362 Special assessments, when made by the Board of Control, shall 
be governed by the same laws and rules as are set forth for the payment 
and collection of the regular monthly payments, except that said special 
assessments shall be issued on the 15th day of the month and shall be due 
and payable by the members to the secretary of the section within thirty 
days thereafter, who shall collect at once and forward the same to the 
Board of Control. (1901.) 

363 Each applicant for membership in the Endowment Rank shall, 
upon completion of his application for transmission to the Board of Con- 
trol, pay to the secretary of the section, in accorance with his age, occu- 
pation and the amount of endowment applied for, a monthly payment as 
provided herein, and as provided in the following section ; and if accepted, 
such member shall continue to pay the same amount each month there- 
after as long as he remains a member of the Endowment Rank, except as 
provided in section 369 of this chapter, or unless otherwise provided for 
by enactments of the Supreme Lodge or Board of Control of the Endow- 
ment Rank Knights of Pythias ; and every person who is at present a 
member of the Endowment Rank shall pay each month hereafter, as long 
as he remains a member of the Endowment Rank, monthly payments as 
fixed by the table herein in accordance with the age at which he has been 
immediately heretofore rated, and in accordance with the amount of his 
endowment, and in accordance with his occupation as provided in sections 
365 and 366, so long as he shall remain a member of the Endowment 
Rank, except as provided in section 369, or unless otherwise provided by 
enactment of the Supreme Lodge or Board of Control of the Endowment 
Rank Knights of Pythias. 



Part I.] 



STATUTES. 



113 



Members having $4,000 or $5,000 endowments shall pay four or five 
times, respectively, the rates for $1,000 endowments, according to the 
table herein. 

TABLE OF MONTHLY PAYMENTS. 





$500 


$1,000 


$2,000 


$3,000 


AGE. 












Amount 


Amount 


Amount 


Amount 


21 


$0 45 


$0 90 


$1 80 


$2 70 


22 


50 


95 


I 90 


2 85 


23 


50 


I 00 


2 00 


3 00 


24 


50 


I 00 


2 00 


3 00 


2 i 


55 


I 05 


2 10 


3 15 


26 


55 


I 10 


2 20 


3 30 


27 


55 


I 10 


2 20 


3 30 


28 


60 


I 15 


2 30 


3 45 


29 


60 


I 20 


2 40 


3 60 


30 


6 J 


I 25 


2 50 


3 75 


31 


65 


I 25 


2 50 


3 75 


32 


65 


I 30 


2 60 


3 90 


33 


70 


1 35 


2 70 


4 05 


34 


70 


1 40 


2 80 


4 20 


35 


75 


1 45 


2 90 


4 35 


36 


7 J 


1 50 


3 00 


4 50 


37 


80 


1 60 


3 20 


4 80 


38 


85 


1 65 


3 30 


4 95 


39 


85 


1 70 


3 40 


5 10 


40 


90 


1 75 


3 50 


5 25 


41 


90 


1 85 


3 70 


5 55 


42 


95 


1 90 


3 80 


5 7o 


43 


1 00 


2 00 


4 00 


6 00 


44 


1 05 


2 10 


4 20 


6 30 


4 I 


1 10 


2 15 


4 30 


6 45 


46 


1 15 


2 25 


4 5° 


6 75 


47 


1 20 


2 35 


4 70 


7 05 


48 


1 25 


2 45 


4 9° 


7 35 


49 


1 30 


2 60 


5 20 


7 80 


50 


1 35 


2 70 


5 40 


8 10 



The amounts received under the above table shall be divided into 
two separate and distinct funds, to be known as the mortuary and expense 
funds; ninety per cent of the receipts from assessments under the above 
table shall be paid into and be known as a mortuary fund, and shall be 
used exclusively in the payment of claims incurred under certificates of 
membership, whether by death or otherwise, and ten per cent of the re- 
ceipts from assessments under said table shall be paid into and shall be 
the expense fund to be used in the payment of items of expense and the 
liquidation of all claims against the Endowment Rank other than those 
provided for above, provided, that at any time when in the judgment of 
the Board of Control the condition of the finances of the Endowment Rank 
8 



114 SUPREME [Division IV, 

will permit, the Board of Control is authorized and directed to suspend the 
collection of monthly payments. (1901.) 

364 There shall be three grades of risks, known as extra hazardous, 
hazardous and ordinary. 

365 The extra hazardous grade shall comprise: Bartenders, boatmen 
— at sea in row or sailing boat, brakemen on freight trains, conductors 
on freight trains, cotton press or gin operators and cotton warehouse 
employes, car inspectors and car repairers, divers, explosives — persons 
employed in the manufacture of or regularly engaged in handling same, 
fishermen — those going to sea in row and sailing boats, glass blowers of 
every description, life saving crews, linemen — handling telegraph, tele- 
phone, electric light and street car wires, liquor dealers — retail, match 
makers, miners and employes in mines working under ground, millers — 
flour, performers — circus and trapeze, sailing vessels — employes thereon, 
saloonkeepers, sawyers — gang, buzz, band and circular, seal hunters, switch- 
men — except towermen. 

Applicants for membership engaged in any of the above occupations 
shall be limited to an endowment of $1,000, and a monthly payment of 
forty cents, in addition to the amounts required by the table of rates, will 
be charged. 

366 The hazardous grade shall comprise: Brakemen on passenger 
trains, conductors on passenger trains, color makers, constables, employes 
on railroad or-elevated passenger trains, electric light trimmers, firemen — 
city fire department, grinders and polishers, jailer, locomotive engineers 
and firemen, lighthouse keepers — not on shore, miners — not working under- 
ground, metal polishers, motormen on electric cars, marshals and their 
deputies if vested with police power, oil and gas drillers and oil and 
gas pumpers, pilots, policemen, prison guards, quarrymen, saw filers, 
steamers — employes thereon, sheriffs and their deputies except if employed 
in office only, stone cutters, watchmen — vested with police powers, waiters 
— in places where liquors are sold, white lead factory employes, wood- 
workers—operating lathe, planer, molding and other machines, yardmas- 
ters. 

Applicants for membership engaged in hazardous occupations shall be 
limited to an endowment of $2,000, and a monthly payment of twenty-five 
cents for each $1,000, in addition to the amount required by the table of 
rates, will be charged. 

367 The Board of Control shall have the power to include occupa- 
tions not hereinbefore named within the extra hazardous or hazardous 
grades, and to require payment of the proper monthly payments and dues 
aforesaid, both as to new applicants and as to members who shall change 
their occupation as hereinafter provided. Also to exclude from member- 
ship those engaged in extremely hazardous occupations, and to cancel or 
reduce to the minimum amount the certificate of any member who may 
engage in such extremely hazardous occupation. 



Part i.] STATUTES. 115 

368 The ordinary grade shall comprise those engaged in other occu- 
pations than hereinbefore specified, and the monthly payments therefore 
shall be as set forth in the foregoing table. 

369 If any member heretofore admitted into the Endowment Rank 
shall, after the first day of March, 1894, or if any member hereafter 
admitted shall, after the date of his application, change his occupation 
from that of one grade to one for which a higher rate is payable as 
hereinbefore specified, he shall, within thirty days from time of making 
such change, give written notice to the secretary of the Board of Control, 
through the secretary of the section, stating such change and the new occu- 
pation engaged in, and thereupon the monthly payments ot such member 
shall be increased accordingly; and in like manner upon notice as afore- 
said the monthly payments shall be decreased where any such member 
paying the higher rates hereinbefore specified shall change to an occupation 
of a grade for which a lower payment is required; provided, the Board 
of Control shall be satisfied that the health of such member has not become 
impaired by reason of such previous occupation. Such increase or decrease 
of monthly payments herein provided for shall begin with the month next 
following such change of occupation; provided, however, that where any 
member admitted to the Endowment Rank on or after the first day of 
March, 1894, shall change his occupation to that of one in either the 
extra hazardous or hazardous grades, his endowment shall be reduced 
so as not to exceed the limit provided for such grade, and his monthly 
payments shall be adjusted accordingly. If any such member shall fail 
to give such notice of a change of occupation to a grade for which the 
higher rate is required as hereinbefore provided, within thirty days after 
such change, such failure shall forthwith cause a forfeiture of the cer- 
tificate held by such member, and his membership and all rights in the 
Endowment Rank shall cease; provided, however, that if the death of 
any such member so changing his occupation to a grade of higher risk 
shall occur within thirty days after such change and before notice shall 
have been given as aforesaid, the liability of the Endowment Rank shall, 
in case the death of such member results from or is caused by the in- 
creased risk of such change of occupation, in no event exceed the limit 
of endowment provided for the grade embracing such new occupation, and 
if the death is not so caused, the Board of Control shall deduct from 
the endowment any sums that may be due on account of the increased 
monthly payments applicable to such change of occupation. All statements 
in any application or notice, relating to the occupation of an applicant 
or member, shall be deemed warranties and material to the risk, and if 
untrue shall cause a forfeiture O'f all rights of such person in the 
endowment. If any member of the Endowment Rank shall engage in 
a hazardous undertaking other than that now provided for under the 
hazardous or extra hazardous grades, or sojourn or reside in a country 
or locality where he shall be exposed to physical or climatic dangers, 
rendering his risk extra hazardous, the Board of Control may annul the 



116 SuprkmK [Division IV, 

certificate of such member, or reduce the amount of his endowment to 
the minimum. Such member shall immediately notify the Board of 
Control, through the secretary of his section, upon engaging in such haz- 
ardous undertaking or making such change of residence as above specified; 
and a failure to give such notice shall forfeit such certificate. 

370 Monthly payments and dues of members holding certificates of 
endowment shall be due and payable to the secretary of the section without 
notice, on the first day of each and every month; and a failure to make 
such payment on or before the tenth day of each month shall cause, from 
and after such date, a forfeiture of the certificate of endowment and 
all right, title and interest such member or his beneficiaries may have in 
and to the same, and membership shall cease absolutely. In case of such 
forfeiture, membership may be regained by making application in the form 
prescribed for new applicants, the payment of required membership fee 
and surrender of the forfeited certificate. If approved by the medical 
examiner in chief and accepted by the Board of Control, a new certificate 
shall be issued and the rating shall thereafter be at' age of nearest birthday 
to the date of the last application. 

371 When a member shall have forfeited his membership by reason 
of non-payment of the regular monthly payments, assessments or dues, 
and if within thirty days from the last day of the month in which such 
forfeiture occurred, it shall be made to appear to the satisfaction of the 
Board of Control that the forfeiture was without fault on the part of 
said member, the Board shall have the power to cancel the same and may 
readmit him at his former rating, upon satisfactory evidence of good 
health, to be furnished at his own expense ; provided, that if the forfeiture 
for non-payment of the regular monthly payment, assessments or dues 
has continued for a period of sixty days after notice thereof has been 
received at the office of the Board of Control, then, upon cancellation 
of same, and readmissiori, the member shall be rated at his age at the date 
of such readmission, a special form for above procedure to be furnished 
by the Board of Control. 

372 The secretary of a section shall forward to the Board of Control 
the monthly payments and dues collected, immediately after the tenth day 
of each and every month. If such payments and dues are not received by 
the Board of Control on or before the last day of the same month, the 
section so failing to pay, and all members thereof, shall stand suspended 
from membership in the Endowment Rank, and their certificates, and all 
right, title and interest therein, shall be forfeited. Notice of such sus- 
pension shall be forthwith sent by mail by the secretary of the Board of 
Control to the president and to the secretary of such section; provided, 
that any surviving members of a section, not less than three, whose 
membership has forfeited their endowment, and whose warrant has been 
suspended, shall regain all rights it had as a section, and each member 
thereof his full rights and privileges held previous to such suspension 



Part I.] statutes. 117 

and forfeiture, if within thirty days from the suspension of warrant, said 
section shall pay to the Board of Control all monthly payments, assess- 
ments or dues accrued upon said members. 

373 Less than three members of a section whose warrant ha 3 been 
so suspended may, upon the payment to the Board of Control within 
thirty days from the suspension of the warrant of all accrued monthly 
payments, assessments or dues, regain membership and all rights and 
privileges attached thereto. 

374 When the membership of a section is reduced to less than 
three, the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank, upon the request of 
the members, or any of them, may issue to them clearance cards, signed 
by the president and attested by the secretary of the board, subject to 
the requirements of these statutes, when the holder's name shall be retained 
on the books of the Board of Control, to whom all monthly payments, 
assessments and dues shall be paid during the life of the card. Said card 
shall be in substance as follows : 

FORM OF CLEARANCE CARD. 

This is to certify that , occupation -, was duly 

admitted a member of Section No. , of the Endowment Rank, 

located at , domain of , on the day of 

— , 190 — , and has paid all monthly payments, assessments, dues 

and other claims against him to this date. 

We do hereby grant to said member this clearance card, which entitles 
him to admission into any section of the Endowment Rank within twelve 
months from the date hereof, and no longer, upon his presenting evidence 
that he is a member of a subordinate lodge of Knights of Pythias in 
good standing, and that he is not indebted for any monthly payments, 
assessments, dues or other claims. 

Such card may be deposited, at any time within twelve months from 
its date, with the secretary of any section, upon the conditions named 
therein, and the name of the holder shall thereupon be entered on the 
roll of membership in said section; but if such card be not so deposited 
within the period above specified, it shall be returned to the Board of 
Control, and upon presenting evidence that he is still a member in good 
standing of a subordinate lodge of Knights of Pythias, a new card will 
be issued. 

375 When a clearance card is deposited in a section, the secretary 
of said section shall require the member depositing the card to produce 
evidence of the payment of all indebtedness to the former section or to 
the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank, and immediately forward 
to the Board of Control the clearance card, together with a notice of 
the date the card was deposited, also the date and to whom the last 
monthly payment, assessment or dues was paid. 



118 supreme [Division IV, 

376 Secretaries and sections of the Endowment Rank are responsible 
to the members of their sections and to the Board of Control for all 
moneys collected from them for monthly payments, assessments or dues 
not paid over to the Board of Control within the time and manner pre- 
scribed by the statutes governing the Endowment Rank. (1901.) 

377 Any surplus that may be realized from any source of the Endow- 
ment Rank shall be applicable only to the payment of mortuary claims or 
the expenses of the Endowment Rank, nor shall any member of the En- 
dowment Rank have any claim whatever to any part of said surplus 
during his lifetime, or to have any portion of said surplus apply to the 
maintenance of his certificate in case of his failure to pay his regular 
monthly assessments or any special assessments that may be levied by the 
Board of Control; and the Board of Control is hereby instructed to in- 
corporate this section into all future certificates of insurance. 



CHAPTER V. 

RESIGNATIONS, SUSPENSION FROM LODGE, APPEALS, ETC. 

378 A member may at any time resign his membership in the En- 
dowment Rank, by notifying the secretary of his section in writing, and 
surrendering to him his certificate of membership, provided there are no 
charges against him financial or otherwise. Such resignation shall cause 
a forfeiture of all amounts paid into, and all claims upon, the funds of 
the Endowment Rank. 

379 Whenever a member of the Endowment Rank withdraws from 
his lodge, or whenever his membership therein ceases, from any cause 
other than death, he thereby severs his connection with this rank and 
forfeits all his right, title and interest in and to the endowment fund; 
provided, that a member who takes a withdrawal card may retain his 
membership in the section and his interest in the endowment fund for 
a period of twelve months by paying regularly all monthly payments, 
assessments or dues. Upon the deposit of said card with another lodge, 
he shall at once notify the secretary of his section, and shall forward 
to the Board of Control a certificate to that effect from the master of 
finance of the lodge in which said card is deposited ; and, provided further, 
that if a lodge becomes defunct, and a member thereof who has obtained 
a card from a grand lodge or the Supreme Lodge, or a member holding 
a withdrawal card, is unable, by reason of age or physical disability, to 
connect himself with a subordinate lodge, and a certificate to that effect 
under the seal of the lodge is furnished by the member to the Board of 
Control within thirty days after such action was taken by the subordinate 
lodge, he shall not lose his membership in the section nor his interest 
in the endowment fund, so long as he shall regularly pay the monthly 
payments, assessments and dues required by law. (1901.) 






Part I.] STATUTES. 119 

CHAPTER VI. 

BENEFICIARIES, CONDITIONS OF PAYMENT, CONTRACT, ETC. 

380 Each applicant for membership and each applicant for re- 
admission in the Endowment Rank shall designate in his application some 
person or persons, related to or dependent upon him for support, as 
hereinafter provided, to whom the benefit shall be paid when due; and 
the name or names and the relationship of the person or persons so 
designated shall be inserted in the^ endowment certificate, except, in case 
when the endowment is made payable to "wife and children," the names 
of tne children may be omitted, and in the event of such member's death 
all surviving children of deceased shall be considered legal beneficiaries. 
The interest of any person so designated, or his or her heirs, shall 
cease and determine in case of his or her death during the lifetime of such 
member. Upon the death of a member of this rank, the benefit, as speci- 
fied in the certificate of membership, shall be paid by the Board of Control 
by warrant on the Endowment Rank depositary, signed by the president 
of the Board of Control and attested by the secretary of the board, to 
the person or persons designated in said certificate as entitled thereto. 
In case of the death of such person or persons after said benefit 
shall have accrued, the same shall be paid to the legal representative 
of such person or persons. In case of the death of the person or 
persons designated as entitled to such benefit before the same shall 
have accrued, it shall be paid to the widow and children of the de- 
ceased member ; and, if there be no- widow nor children, nor any of 
them, it shall be paid to the father and mother, sisters and brothers of 
deceased, share and share alike; provided, that the amount of said benefit 
shall be held sacred, a legacy to and for said legatees, and shall never, 
tinder any circumstances, be liable for nor be appropriated to the payment 
of any debts against the estate of said deceased member, except, in the 
event of any such member having remained in good standing in the rank 
for five years, and by reason of misfortune not resulting from any criminal 
act or vicious habit on his part shall be unable to meet further monthly 
payments, assessments or dues, the lodge of which he is a member in good 
standing at the time may make provision to meet ajl payments, assessments 
or dues for and on behalf of such member, as they may become due, 
to the secretary of the section, taking a written agreement from the 
member giving such lodge a lien upon his endowment certificate for the 
amount advanced in keeping such member in good standing in his subor- 
dinate lodge and in the Endowment Rank. A copy of such agreement, 
duly certified by competent authority, shall be furnished the Board of 
Control within thirty days after date of execution. If none of the persons 
herein designated as entitled to said benefit be alive when the same shall 
accrue, then and in that case the liability of the Endowment Rank Knights 
of Pythias, by reason of said certificate, shall cease and determine. If 
the death of any member of the Endowment Rank heretofore admitted 



120 supreme [Division IV, 

into the first, second, third or fourth classes, or hereafter admitted, shall 
result from suicide, either voluntary or involuntary, whether such member 
shall be sane or insane at the time, or if such death shall be caused or 
superinduced by the use of intoxicating liquors, narcotics or opiates, or 
in consequence of a duel or at the hands of justice, or in violation or 
attempted violation of any criminal law, then the amount to be paid upon 
such member's certificate shall be a sum only in proportion to the whole 
amount as the matured life expectancy is to the entire expectancy at date 
of admission to the Endowment Rank, the expectation of life, based 
upon the American Experience Table of mortality in force at the time 
of such death, to govern; provided, that in the case of members trans- 
ferred to the fourth class (the present system), from either of the former 
classes, the date of such transfer shall be taken as the date of admission 
to the Endowment Rank in computing the amount to be paid as aforesaid. 
Active service in the army or navy in time of war shall forfeit the cer- 
tificate and all claims thereunder of any member of the Endowment Rank 
heretofore or hereafter admitted. No action at law or in equity shall be 
brought or maintained on any cause or claim arising out of any membership 
in the Endowment Rank Knights of Pythias or on any certificate of 
membership heretofore issued in the first, second, third or fourth classes, 
or hereafter issued, unless good and sufficient proof of death is furnished 
the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank within one year from 
date of death of the member, nor shall such action at law be maintained 
unless suit is commenced within two years from the date of death of the 

member. Rinne vs. Damon Lodge, No. 2, 8 S. T., 44. 

381 The beneficiary or beneficiaries, on receipt of the warrant or /war- 
rants on the Endowment Rank depositary for the payment of the endow- 
ment, shall receipt upon the back of the certificate of the deceased member 
for the payment of said endowment, which shall be attested by the secretary 
of the section, or in his absence by an officer duly authorized to take 
acknowledgments, and such certificate shall thereupon be surrendered and 
forwarded to the Board of Control. 



CHAPTER VII. 

INCREASE AND DECREASE OF ENDOWMENT, CHANGE OF BENEFICIARIES AND 

LOST CERTIFICATES. 

382 Members holding less than the maximum amount of endowment 
may, if under fifty years of age, apply for an increase of same, not to exceed 
the amount limited by their occupation, by making application to the section 
in which membership is held, on a special blank provided for that purpose 
by the Board of Control. Such application shall be governed in all re- 
spects the same as that of a new applicant, and shall be forwarded to the 
Board of Control with original membership certificate attached, the re- 
quired fee of one dollar for each additional $1,000 endowment applied for, 



Part I.] STATUTES. 121 

the first monthly payment and dues. If accepted by the Board of Control, 
a new certificate for the full amount of endowment will be issued. Such 
increase of endowment shall require a monthly payment in accordance with 
the age of the applicant, at the time the application for increase was made, 
which shall be added to the monthly payment required under the original 
certificate. 

383 Members holding an endowment of $2,000 or over may decrease 
the same to the minimum of $1,000, by making application to the section in 
which membership is held on a form provided by the Board of Control, 
and the secretary shall forward said application, with the original member- 
ship certificate attached, to the Board of Control, who shall issue a new 
certificate for the amount of endowment desired. The deduction in the 
monthly payment and dues shall be made for the month succeeding the 
one in which the application for decrease is perfected. (1901.) 

384 Any member desiring to change his beneficiary or beneficiaries 
shall make application on a form provided by the Board of Control. The 
secretary of the section shall attest the same, and forward such applica- 
tion with the certificate originally issued, or then in force, and a fee of 
fifty cents, to said Board of Control, who shall, if the change be in accord- 
ance with law, as specified in section 380, issue a new certificate, containing 
the name or names of the substituted beneficiary or beneficiaries. Such 
change may be made at any time and as often as desired, consent of the ex- 
isting beneficiaries not being required. No change of beneficiary shall be 
valid until its acceptance by the Board of Control. 

385 In case a member desiring to change his beneficiary shall be un- 
able to surrender the original certificate, or the certificate then in force, 
by reason of the act or refusal of the beneficiary named therein, or from 
any other cause, the Board of Control may issue a new certificate upon 
proof of the facts by affidavit of the member, and the execution by him of 
such instruments of release or indemnity as shall be deemed necessary. 

386 A member whose certificate has been lost or destroyed by fire 
or other cause shall be entitled to a duplicate, by making an affidavit stat- 
ing fully the facts connected therewith . Such affidavit shall embrace a full 
release of all his right, title and interest in and to the certificate lost or 
destroyed, and request that a duplicate be issued in its stead, which shall 
be forwarded by the secretary of the section with a fee of fifty cents, to the 
Board of Control, who shall, if the facts set forth in the affidavit justify it, 
issue a duplicate certificate. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

CLEARANCE CARDS. 

387 Any member of this rank desiring to transfer his membership to 
another section, shall be entitled to receive a clearance card by paying all 






122 SUPREME [Division IV, 

monthly payments, assessments, dues and other charges appearing against 
him on the books of the section. The blank clearance card to be furnished 
by the Boari of Control to sections for twenty-five cents, and must be coun- 
tersigned by the president and secretary of the section, certifying to the 
good standing of the holder in the Endowment Rank. Said card shall be 
in substance as follows : 

FORM OF CLEARANCE CARD. 

This is to certify that , occupation , was duly 

admitted a member of Section No. of the Endowment Rank, located 

a t f domain of , on the day of , 



190 , and holds certificate No. for $ — 000.00. He is rated at the 

age of , the monthly payment being $ , monthly dues cents. 

He has paid all monthly payments, dues, assessments and other claims 
against him to this date, and is under no charge whatever. At his re- 
quest this clearance card is granted, which entitles him to admission into 
any section of the Endowment Rank within twelve months from the date 
thereof, and no longer, upon his presenting evidence that he is a member 
of a subordinate lodge Knights of Pythias, in good standing, and that he is 
not indebted for any dues, assessments or monthly payments to the section 
granting the card. 

388 Members holding clearance cards must continue to pay to the 
secretary of the section granting the card all monthly payments, assess- 
ments or dues until such card is deposited in another section, which must 
be done within twelve months from date of issue. 

389 The secretary of the section granting a clearance card shall con- 
tinue to collect from the member all monthly payments, assessments or dues 
until he receives notice that the card is deposited, when he shall at once 
notify the Board of Control, giving the number of the section in which it 
has been deposited and stating the last monthly payment paid to him. 

390 When a clearance card is presented to a section for deposit, it 
must be accompanied with evidence that the holder is in good standing in 
a subordinate lodge ^nd in the Endowment Rank, and when a member is 
thus admitted to a section, due notice thereof shall be sent to the secretary 
of the section granting such card, and the clearance card, with notice of the 
date of deposit, also the date and to whom the last monthly payment was 
paid, shall be forwarded to the Board of Control. If at the end of twelve 
months, such card has not been deposited in some other section, member- 
ship shall continue in the section granting the card, and the clearance card 
becomes null and void. 

CHAPTER IX. 

NAMES, MEETINGS, QUORUM, SUPPLIES, ETC. 

391 Each section shall be known as Section No. of the Endow- 
ment Rank Knights of Pythias. (1901.) 



Part I.] STATUTES. 123 

392 Meetings of sections for the transaction of official business shall 
be held at such time and place as may be fixed by the by-laws. A meeting 
shall also be held in December of each year, for the election of president, 
vice president and secretary, who shall constitute the officers of a section, 
and who shall serve for the ensuing year and until their successors are 
elected and qualified. Such officers must be members of the Endowment 
Rank and of the section. The medical examiner shall be a competent regis- 
tered and practising physician. 

393 Special meetings of sections, when necessary, may be held upon 
the call of the president, or at the request of two members of the section. 

394 Three members shall constitute a quorum. In the absence of 
both president and vice president, any member may be called to preside. 

395 The supplies for use of a new section, consisting of the seal and 
necessary books, blanks, etc., together with all subsequent supplies required 
by sections and the preliminary blanks for organizing, are furnished by the 
Board of Control upon application, free of charge. 

396 Blank receipt forms for monthly payments, assessments or dues 
will be furnished to secretaries of sections upon application, by the Board 
of Control. 



CHAPTER X. 

DUTIES OF SECTION AND OFFICERS. 

397 The president shall preside at all meetings of the section. He 
shall see that the laws of the Endowment Rank are complied with by the 
officers and members of the section. 

398 The vice president shall discharge all the duties of the president 
in case of his absence or disability to perform any specific duties required 
of him by the laws of the Endowment Rank. 

399 The secretary shall receive all applications for membership made 
out in proper form, and forward them, accompanied by the membership 
fee, first monthly payment and dues, to the Board of Control. When 
notified of the rejection of an applicant he shall promptly return 
to him all moneys paid. He shall keep a faithful record of the 
business of the section transacted in the meeting or by the au- 
thorized officers during recess, also a financial account with each 
member of the section. He shall keep a record of the post office ad- 
dress of each member, and any change thereof of which he has notice. He 
shall use the books, blanks and forms furnished by the Board of Control, 
and perform all other duties required of him by the rules of the Endow- 
ment Rank. Before entering on the discharge of his duties, the section 
shall .require the secretary, and he is hereby required, to make and 
execute a bond to the Board of Control of the Endowment Rank Knights 



124 supreme; [Division IV, 

of Pythias, to secure the due and prompt payment to said Board of 
Control of all monthly payments and dues collected by him as secretary 
from the members of said section, the penalty of which bond shall not 
be less than the maximum amount of three monthly payments and dues 
collected from the members of said section. No person shall be the 
agent of the Endowment Rank for the collection of assessments, or au- 
thorized to receive any money on account thereof, until he shall have 
executed and delivered a bond as required by this section, and the same 
shall have been approved and accepted by the Board of Control. 

400 In case of death, resignation or removal of any officer, the sec- 
tion shall immediately fill the vacancy by an election, such officer to serve 
during the unexpired term. 

401 The medical examiner shall examine applicants for membership 
in the Endowment Rank, in accordance with the prescribed form and 
instructions given on the application blank, and whenever deemed 
necessary, make special report to the Board of Control for reference to the 
medical examiner in chief, on any examination made. His fee shall be a 
sum not to exceed two dollars for each examination, to be paid by the 
Board of Control. He shall forward to the Board of Control all applica- 
tions in which the risk is declined by him, and make full report thereon, 
whenever required so to do by the Board of Control or the medical exam- 
iner in chief. 



CHAPTER XI. 

PROOF OF DEATH. 

402 The proof of death shall in all cases be furnished by the bene- 
ficiary or beneficiaries on blank forms to be obtained of the Board of Con- 
trol, and shall contain affidavits of the attending physician or physicians, 
the undertaker who officiated, the master of finance as to standing of de- 
ceased in the subordinate lodge at time of death, and from such other per- 
son or persons as may be required; affidavits to be made before an officer 
authorized to take affidavits, and such authority must be certified to by the 
clerk of a court of record, or other competent authority, under seal. 

403 Any necessary legal papers required to complete the proofs must 
also be furnished by the beneficiary or beneficiaries. 



CHAPTER XII. 

SUSPENSION FROM LODGE. 

404 When a member of the Endowment Rank is suspended from his 
lodge for non-payment of dues or for any other cause, and does -hot prose- 
cute an appeal from such suspension, in the manner provided by law, his 



Part I.] STATUTES. 125 

membership shall be forfeited and his certificate become void. If an appeal 
is prosecuted from such suspension, his membership in the Endowment 
Rank shall not be forfeited until the appeal shall be decided adversely to the 
appellant; provided, however, he shall in the meantime comply with the 
Supreme statutes relating to the Endowment Rank. (1901.) 



CHAPTER XIII. 

SECTION BY-LAWS. 

405 Each section of the Endowment Rank is authorized to make by- 
laws for its own government not inconsistent with these statutes. Before 
said by-laws, or any of them, shall become operative, they shall hrst be 
submitted to, and approved by, the president of the Board of Control. 
(1901.) 

406 The compensation of section secretaries shall be five per cent of 
the amount collected and remitted by them to the Board of Control. Set- 
tlement shall be made with secretaries by the Board of Control monthly 
out of endowment funds collected for expense purposes. No part of the 
collections made by secretaries shall be deducted or withheld by them. 
(1901.) 

407 Sections shall not have power to levy or collect any tax or charge 
upon the membership of the Endowment Rank. (1901.) 



CHAPTER XIV. 

LAWS, ETC., GOVERNING OLD CLASSES. 

408 All the laws, forms and business details heretofore enacted by 
the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias for the government of the former 
first, second and third classes of the Endowment Rank shall be in full force 
and effect so long as membership in any one or all of these classes exists. 



CHAPTER XV. 

AMENDMENT OF RULES. 

409 The rules adopted by the Board of Control may be altered or 
amended at any regular session of the board by a majority vote of the 
members of said board. 



126 SUPREME [Division IV, 

PART II. 

THE MILITARY BRANCH. 

i 
CHAPTER I. 

ORGANIZATION. 

4lO (360). The military branch of the Knights of Pythias shall be 
organized into the following formations, to be composed of infantry, cav- 
alry or artillery : 

a. Infantry companies. 

b. Infantry battalions. 

c. Infantry regiments. 

d. Cavalry troops. 

c. Cavalry squadrons. 

f. Cavalry regiments. 

g. Artillery companies or batteries. 

h. Brigades of infantry, or of infantry, cavalry and artillery combined. 

i. The Pythian army, composed of all brigades, regiments, battalions, 
squadrons, batteries and separate companies of the Uniform 
Rank Knights of Pythias, to be commanded by a Major General. 

/. The powers of the military branch shall be vested in a Supreme As- 
sembly, to be formed in the manner and with the authority as 
hereinafter provided. (1900.) 



CHAPTER II. 

OFFICERS. 

411 (361). The official rank and title of the officers of the Uniform 
Rank shall be: 

a. The Supreme Chancellor, as commander in chief. 

b. The Major General, commanding the Uniform Rank or military 

branch of the Knights of Pythias. 

c. Brigadier general, commanding the brigade of a grand domain. 

d. Colonel, commanding a regiment. 

<\ Lieutenant colonel, second in command of a regiment, or commander 
of a regiment composed of less than eight companies. 

f. Major, third in rank in a regiment, commanding a battalion of in- 

fantry or squadron of cavalry. 

g. Captain, commanding a company of infantry or troop of cavalry. 

It. First lieutenant, second in rank in company of infantry or troop of 
cavalry. 



Part II.] STATUTES. 127 

i. Second lieutenant, third in rank in company of infantry or troop of 
cavalry. 

/. Staff of the Major General : 
A chief of staff. 
An adjutant general. 
An inspector general. 
A judge advocate general. 
A chief mustering officer. 
A chief engineer. 
A chief signal officer. 
A quartermaster general. 
A commissary general. 
A surgeon general. 

Each with the rank of brigadier general. 

A chaplain in chief, with the rank of colonel. 
An aide-de-camp for each grand domain, with the rank of 
colonel. 
Provided that if, in the judgment of the commander in chief and the 
Major General, the interests of the Uniform Rank require more than one 
aide-de-camp in any domain, such additional aides-de-camp may be ap- 
pointed. 

k. Staff of a brigadier general : 
A chief of staff. 
An assistant adjutant general. 
An assistant inspector general. 
An assistant judge advocate general. 
A brigade mustering officer. 
A brigade engineer. 
A brigade signal officer. 
An assistant quartermaster general. 
An assistant commissary general. 
An assistant surgeon general. 

Each with the rank of colonel. 

A brigade chaplain, with the rank of major. 
Four aides-de-camp, each with the rank of major. 

Provided that if, in the judgment of the brigadier general, the inter- 
ests of the Uniform Rank will be advanced by the appointment of additional 
aides-de-camp, they may be appointed and commissioned. 

/. Regimental staff: 

A surgeon, with the rank of major. 
An adjutant. 
A signal officer. 



128 SUPREME [Division IV, 

A quartermaster. 
A commissary of subsistence. 
An assistant surgeon. 
A chaplain. 
Each with the rank of captain. 

The regimental staff officers shall be appointed by the commanding offi- 
cer of the regiment, and, upon the approval of the brigadier general, shall 
be commissioned by the Major General; provided that officers of the med- 
ical staff must be physicians in good standing in their profession and grad- 
uates of a medical college of recognized standing; provided further, that 
the appointment of surgeons must be approved by the assistant surgeon 
general of the brigade, and that of assistant surgeons by the surgeon of 
the regiment and the assistant surgeon general of the brigade. 

m. Battalion staff: 
An adjutant. 
A quartermaster. 
A commissary of subsistence. 
An assistant surgeon. 

Each with the rank of first lieutenant. 






The battalion staff officers shall be appointed by the regimental com- 
mander, upon the recommendation of the battalion commander; and, upon 
the approval of the brigadier general, they shall be commissioned by the 
Major General; provided, that the same rules that apply to the appointment 
of the medical staff of a regiment shall apply to that of a battalion. 

n. The company officers : 
A captain. 
A first lieutenant. 
A second lieutenant. 
A recorder, with the rank of sergeant. 
A treasurer, with the rank of sergeant. 

All to be elected by the company. 

A guard, with rank of first sergeant. 

A sentinel, with rank of second sergeant. 

Both to be appointed by the captain, and may be removed by him for 
cause, or for the benefit of the drill or discipline of the company. 

The insignia of rank for all officers shall be that of the United States 
army, of like branch of service, position and rank, except that the colors 
shall be those established for the Uniform Rank, to which shall also be 
added the emblems of the Uniform Rank. 

Any sir knight who is a regular practising physician, in good standing 
in his profession, or shall be a graduate of a medical college, and in good 
standing in his lodge and company, shall be eligible to appointment and 
commission as assistant surgeon of a regiment, provided he shall have the 



Part II.] STATUTES. 129 

recommendation of the colonel of his regiment, favorably endorsed by the 
surgeon of his regiment and the assistant surgeon general of his brigade, 
and, upon such recommendation and endorsement, the Major General shall 
issue the commission in the usual form. 

o. Non-commissioned staff : 

To be appointed by the regimental commander — 
A sergeant major of the regiment. 
A quartermaster sergeant of the regiment. 
A commissary sergeant of the regiment. 
A color sergeant of the regiment. 

A hospital steward, upon the recommendation of the regimental 
surgeon. 
To be appointed by the battalion commander — 
A sergeant major of battalion. 
A quartermaster sergeant of battalion. 
A commissary sergeant of battalion. 
A color sergeant of battalion. 

A hospital steward, upon the recommendation of the battalion 
assistant surgeon. 
All non-commissioned staff officers must procure a non-commissioned 
officer's warrant, and also the chevrons to indicate their rank and posi- 
tion, the warrant and chevrons to be procured from the Major General. 
(1896.) 

412 (362). The election or appointment and commission and term of 
office of brigade commanders and the staff of brigade commanders, and of 
regimental, field and staff officers, shall be for the period of four years from 
the date of election or appointment; provided that the commissions of all 
staff officers shall terminate with the termination of the commission of the 
officer on whose staff such staff officers were commissioned; but all staff 
officers shall be eligible for reappointment. (1896.) 



CHAPTER III. 

SUPREME ASSEMBLY. 

413 (363). A supreme assembly of the Uniform Rank is hereby de- 
clared and created, which shall meet in each intervening year between the 
conventions of the Supreme Lodge, at such time and place as the supreme 
assembly may designate at each meeting ; and in case the supreme assembly 
shall fail to designate a place of meeting, the Supreme Chancellor and the 
Major General shall call said supreme assembly to meet at such time and 
place as they may elect. (1896.) 

414 (364). The supreme assembly of the Uniform Rank shall consist 
of the Supreme Chancellor, the Major General, the adjutant general of the 
Uniform Rank and the brigadier general of each brigade of the Uniform 

9 



130 SUPREME [Division IV, 

Rank, and all past Major Generals of the Uniform Rank. The Major 
General shall be the presiding officer of the supreme assembly. (1896.) 

415 (365). Any member of the Supreme Lodge, and any officer or 
member of the Uniform Rank in good standing, shall have the right of ad- 
mission to the meetings of the supreme assembly, but not the right to 
speak upon any question except by the unanimous consent of the supreme 
assembly, nor shall they have the right to vote on any question. (1896.) 

416 (366). The supreme assembly shall have the power to enact rules 
and regulations for the government of the supreme assembly and the 
Uniform Rank, in all matters relating to said rank, provided that such 
rules and regulations shall not be in contravention of the Supreme consti- 
tution and statutes. It shall be the duty of said supreme assembly to form- 
ulate and recommend such legislation to the Supreme Lodge as the inter- 
ests of the Uniform Rank may from time to time require. (1896.) 

417 (367). The supreme assembly shall have final jurisdiction in all 
matters of appeal in the Uniform Rank ; but no appeal shall be heard by the 
supreme assembly unless such appeal shall come through the regular chan- 
nels, to-wit : through company, battalion, regimental, brigade and general 
headquarters, and endorsed by the Major General and presented to the 
supreme assembly ; provided that, in the domains where there are neither 
regimental nor brigade organizations, appeals shall be forwarded from 
company headquarters to the Major General, and by him endorsed and 
presented to the supreme assembly. All appeals must be taken and for- 
warded by the appellant within thirty days after the alleged grievance or 
cause for appeal occurred. (1896.) 

418 (368). The supreme assembly shall provide a revenue for its 
maintenance and the maintenance of the Uniform Rank, and shall have full 
control of all supplies necessary for the establishment, use and manage- 
ment of the Uniform Rank, shall contract for the printing and manufacture 
of all supplies therefor, except the drill regulations and ritual of the rank, 
which shall be printed and promulgated by and under the authority of the 
Supreme Lodge, but the Supreme Lodge shall furnish the drill regulations 
and ritual of the rank to the supreme assembly at actual cost; and the 
supreme assembly shall regulate the sale of all supplies of and for the mili- 
tary branch. The supreme assembly shall have authority to levy such dues 
and assessments upon companies of the Uniform Rank from time to time 
as may be required for the maintenance and proper management of the 
rank, and under such regulations as the supreme assembly may adopt. The 
supreme assembly shall also have authority to print, publish and sell the 
Supreme statutes relating to the military branch of the Knights of Pythias, 
in connection with the rules and regulations adopted by the supreme 
assembly. (1896.) 

419 (369). The adjutant general, in addition to his military duties, 
shall be the recorder and financial and disbursing officer of the supreme 
assembly, under such regulations as it may adopt. He shall give a bond 



Part II.] STATUTES. 131 

to the supreme assembly in such sum as the supreme assembly may desig- 
nate. He shall receive all moneys of the supreme assembly, and make such 
report thereto as it may by law designate. He shall be custodian of, and 
be held responsible for, all supplies of the Uniform Rank. His books and 
accounts shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Supreme Chan- 
cellor and the Major General, or any officers or committee designated by 
the supreme assembly or by the Supreme Lodge. He shall receive such 
compensation for his services as the supreme assembly may from time to 
time determine. (1896.) 

420 (370). The supreme assembly shall by rules and regulations des- 
ignate and define by distinct specifications all uniforms and emblems to 
be used and worn by the officers and sir knights of the military branch 
of the Knights of Pythias ; and it shall be unlawful for any other than 
the uniforms so prescribed to be worn by such officers and sir knights ; 
and the use of said uniforms, or any portion thereof, by members of the 
order of Knights of Pythias, other than members of the Uniform Rank, 
is hereby declared unlawful and is strictly prohibited. (1896.) 

421 (371). The rate of mileage and per diem of the members of the 
supreme assembly, for attendance upon its meetings, shall be such as the 
supreme assembly may from time to time designate ; but the Supreme Lodge 
shall not in any manner be responsible for any of the financial obligations 
of the Uniform Rank or of the supreme assembly thereof. (1896.) 

422 (372). In the recess between the meetings of the supreme assem- 
bly, the Supreme Chancellor and the Major General are authorized to fix 
the amount of and approve the bonds that may be required by law from any 
officer of the supreme assembly. (1896.) 



CHAPTER IV. 

THE MAJOR GENERAL. 

423 (373). The Major General must be a past grand chancellor in 
good standing in his grand and subordinate lodges, and a member in good 
standing in a company of the Uniform Rank. He shall be the presiding 
officer of the supreme assembly. He shall be nominated by the Supreme 
Chancellor to the Supreme Lodge, and, upon the ratification of said nomi- 
nation by election by the Supreme Lodge, he shall be commissioned by the 
Supreme Chancellor for a term of two years, and shall retain his said office 
until his successor shall be nominated and commissioned. He shall receive 
such compensation for his services as the supreme assembly may from time 
to time determine. (1896.) 

424 (374). The Major General of the military branch of the order, 
known as the Uniform Rank, in addition to the powers and duties desig- 
nated in the rules and regulations enacted, or that may hereafter be en- 
acted, by the supreme assembly of said military branch, shall have the 
powers and duties designated in this statute : 



132 Suprkmk [Division IV, 

a. The Major General shall have command of and exercise a watch- 
ful supervision over all bodies of the military branch of the order, and 
see that the Supreme law relating thereto is duly and promptly observed 
and obeyed, and that the work of such branch is everywhere uniform. 
To this end, he may visit and preside over all bodies of the military 
branch of the order, and give such instructions or directions as, under 
the Supreme law, the prosperity of such branch may require. 

b. He shall appoint the members of his individual staff, and, when 
present at any assembly of the military branch, shall take command. 
He shall examine all rules and regulations enacted by any organization 
of the military branch, which rules and regulations, upon being ap- 
proved by the Supreme Chancellor and the Major General, shall become 
the rules and regulations governing such organizations ; provided that 
such approval shall not be a bar to proceedings before the Supreme 
Tribunal in which the constitutionality of such rules and regulations 
may be called in question. 

c. He shall keep a register of all warrants issued and all companies 
instituted, with the location, number and date of institution of each, anJ 
shall provide himself, at the expense of the supreme assembly, with such 
books, stationery, postage, supplies and quarters as may be necessary for 
the proper discharge of his duties. 

d. He shall prepare and furnish the forms for all blanks required by the 
military branch of the order. 

e. The Major General shall decide all tactical questions, and all ques- 
tions connected with the general government and management of the 
military branch of the order, subject, however, to the right of appeal to the 
supreme assembly. 

f. He shall review and approve or disapprove all court martial pro- 
ceedings in which the penalty is suspension or dishonorable discharge, sub- 
ject, however, to the right of appeal therefrom to the supreme assembly. 

g. He shall receive all requisitions for supplies from brigades, regi- 
ments or companies, and if approved by him, shall cause such supplies to 
be forwarded for the use of said organization; but in no case shall such 
requisition for supplies be approved, nor the supplies furnished, unless the 
money in payment therefor accompany such requisition. 

h. The Major General shall, upon the order of the Supreme Chancel- 
lor, promulgate the countersign of the military branch to all companies 
of such branch. He shall, at each biennial convention of the Supreme 
Lodge, present a full report of the transactions of his office and of the gen- 
eral condition of the military branch of the order during the preceding 
biennial term. (1896.) 

425 (375). The Major General and the adjutant general shall submit 
their books and accounts for inspection or audit by the Supreme Chancellor, 
or such committee as he or the Supreme Lodge may at any time designate, 
or the supreme assembly committee on finance, whenever so required by 
them or by the supreme assembly. (1896.) 



Part II.] STATUTES. 133 

426 (376). In case of the death, resignation or removal of the Major 
General, the Supreme Chancellor shall have authority to fill the vacancy 
by the appointment of a past grand chancellor who is a member of the 
Uniform Rank. Such appointee shall discharge the duties of the Major 
General until a Major General shall be elected as provided by the Supreme 
constitution. (1896.) 



CHAPTER V. 

COMPANIES NOT WITHIN THE DOMAIN OF A BRIGADE. 

427 (377). Every regiment and company of the Uniform Rank 
Knights of Pythias, not within a domain having a brigade organization, 
shall be under the immediate control of the supreme assembly and the direct 
command of the Major General. While under control of the supreme 
assembly, every company of the Uniform Rank shall pay such dues to the 
supreme assembly as the supreme assembly may fix, provided that such 
dues shall not exceed the amount fixed for companies belonging to brigade 
organizations. Said dues shall become due and payable on the 19th day of 
February of each year, and shall be forwarded within thirty days thereafter 
to the Major General, together with the annual reports of such companies. 
(1896.) 

428 (378). It shall be the duty of each company not attached to a 
brigade to make out and forward to the Major General, on blanks to be fur- 
nished by the supreme assembly therefor, an annual report for each Pythian 
year. Said report shall contain a statement of the membership of the 
company on the 19th day of February preceding the date of said report, in 
which shall be given a statement of the additions thereto and losses there- 
from during the year, a statement of the financial condition of the company, 
showing its receipts and expenditures during the year, and a roster of the 
officers of the company for the ensuing term; provided that, when regi- 
mental formation is had in any domain where there is no brigade, all 
reports shall be forwarded through regimental headquarters. (1896.) 

429 (379). Regiments and companies of the Uniform Rank not at- 
tached to a brigade shall be subject to and be governed by the rules and 
regulations enacted by the supreme assembly, from time to time, for the 
general government and management of the Uniform Rank Knights of 
Pythias. (1896.) 

430 (380). Companies of the Uniform Rank, whether as separate 
companies or as separate regiments not attached to a brigade, shall have 
the right of appeal or petition to the supreme assembly; provided that all 
appeals or petitions and communications of whatever kind, addressed to the 
supreme assembly, shall be forwarded to the Major General, and that 
officer shall present the same to the supreme assembly at the next regular 
meeting thereof. (1896.) 



134 SUPREME [Division V, 

DIVISION V. 

SECRET WORK. 

PART I. 

RITUALS. 
CHAPTER I. 

PRINTING AND PUBLICATION. 

431 (381). All rituals of the order shall be printed and published- 
under the direct personal supervision and control of the Supreme Keeper 
of Records and Seal. Supreme Lodge, ex rel., vs. White, 3 Clark, 17. 

432 (382). No person whosoever, not under the supervision and con- 
trol, direct or indirect, of the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, shall 
at any time or place make any written or printed copy of any rituals of the 
order, or of any part thereof, or any cipher thereof. Any person who 
shall violate the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty of an 
offence against the order, and shall, upon conviction, be expelled from the 
order. 

433 (383). The rituals of the order shall be printed and published 
only in the English language, except as may be hereafter authorized. 

CHAPTER II. 

CUSTODY AND ISSUE. 

434 (384). The rituals of the Supreme Lodge, at all times when not 
in actual use during a convention of the Supreme Lodge, shall be in the 
custody of the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal ; provided that he may 
deliver to the Supreme Chancellor, or to the chairman of the committee on 
secret work, or to the chairman of any committee on the revision of such 
rituals, or to the Chief Tribune of the Supreme Tribunal, one copy of any 
ritual of the order, for such temporary use as either or them may desire ; 
but it shall be the duty of any person so receiving a copy of any ritual to 
return it to the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, immediately upon 
completing its use. 

435 (385). The rituals for grand lodges shall be kept in stock by the 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, and shall be issued by him only as 
follows: four copies to the Supreme Chancellor or to his deputy, at the 



Part I.] STATUES. 135 

institution of a new grand lodge, for the use of such grand lodge; or upon 
the written order of a grand keeper of records and seal, for the use of his 
grand lodge, not exceeding four copies, to replace such as may have been 
lost or destroyed, such order to be under seal of the grand lodge, and to 
certify to such loss or destruction; or upon the written order of a grand 
keeper of records and seal, under seal of his grand lodge, and for its use, 
in exchange for an equal number of copies which may have become worn 
or mutilated, and which are returned with the order to the Supreme Keeper 
of Records and Seal, by whom they shall be immediately burned. 

436 (386). The rituals for grand lodges, which may be issued to any 
grand lodge, shall be in the custody and control of the grand keeper ol 
records and seal at all times when not in use in its conventions; provided 
that a grand keeper of records and seal may deliver to his grand chan- 
cellor, or to the chairman of the committee on secret work of his grand 
lodge, or to the chief tribune of his grand tribunal, if there be one, a 
copy of any grand or subordinate lodge ritual in his custody, for any tem- 
porary use which either of them may desire to make; but it shall be the 
duty of the person receiving such ritual to return it to the grand keeper of 
records and seal, immediately upon completing its use. 

437 (387). Each grand keeper of records and seal, after his installa- 
tion and upon receiving from his predecessor the books and properties of 
his office, shall give to such predecessor his written receipt for the number 
of rituals of any kind so delivered to him. 

438 (388). Rituals for subordinate lodges shall be kept in stock by 
the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, and shall be issued by him only 
as follows: to grand lodges, for the use of subordinate lodges in their 
respective domains, upon the written order of a grand keeper of records 
and seal, under seal of his grand lodge, in such quantities as may be re- 
quired for the use of the subordinate lodges in such domain; or to a dis- 
trict Deputy Supreme Chancellor, upon his written order therefor, in such 
quantities as may be necessary for the use of subordinate lodges under his 
care. 

439 (389). The rituals for subordinate lodges which may be issued to 
any grand lodge shall be kept in stock by the grand keeper of records and 
seal, and shall be issued by him only as follows: to the grand chancellor 
of such grand lodge, or to his deputy, at the institution of a new subordi- 
nate lodge, five copies, for the use of such subordinate lodge; or upon the 
written order of the keeper of records and seal of a subordinate lodge 
within its domain, and under seal of such lodge, to replace such as may 
have been lost or destroyed, the order certifying to such loss or destruction ; 
or upon the written order of a keeper of records and seal, under seal of 
his lodge and for its use, in exchange for an equal number of copies which 
may have become worn or mutilated and which are returned to the grand 
keeper of records and seal with the order. Such returned copies shall be at 
once burned by the grand keeper of records and seal. 



136 Supreme [Division V, 

440 (390). The rituals for subordinate lodges, which may be issued to 
any District Deputy Supreme Chancellor, shall be issued by him to subordi- 
nate lodges under his care, subject to all the provisions of the preceding 
section, so far as the same may apply. 

441 (391). The rituals for subordinate lodges which, under the provi- 
sions of this chapter, may be received by any subordinate lodge, shall be in 
the custody and control of the chancellor commander of such subordinate 
lodge, except when they may be in actual use during a convention thereof. 
When not in use, they shall be kept by him securely locked in a box or other 
receptacle prepared therefor. At the installation of officers for a new term, 
the outgoing chancellor commander shall deliver the rituals in his custody 
to the installing officer, and they shall be delivered by such installing officer 
to the incoming chancellor commander, upon his receipt therefor. 

442 (392). No chancellor commander shall loan any ritual for subor- 
dinate lodges, which may be in his custody, to any officer or member of the 
order whomsoever, nor permit such ritual to be taken from the lodge room ; 
but he may permit such ritual to be used within the lodge room by any 
officer or member who has attained the rank of knight, who may desire to 
familiarize himself therewith, upon pledge of his knightly honor that such 
ritual shall not be taken from the lodge room. 

443 (392a). Each grand domain shall provide by law that the last 
order of business of a subordinate lodge shall be as follows : "The counting 
of the rituals by the master at arms and his report to the chancellor com- 
mander." (1896.) 



PART II. 

SEMI- ANNUM, PASSWORD. 
CHAPTER I. 

PROMULGATION, ISSUE AND USE. 

444 (393). It shall be the duty of the Supreme Chancellor, during 
the months of April and October in each year, to select a semi-annual 
password for the use of all subordinate lodges of the order during the 
ensuing semi-annual term. 

445 (394). The Supreme Chancellor, on or before the first days of 
May and November in each year, shall cause the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal to transmit by registered mail to the grand chancellor 
of each grand lodge not under suspension, and to each District Deputy 
Supreme Chancellor who may be in charge of one or more subordinate 
lodges, to the address as shown upon the books of the Supreme Lodge, 



Part II.] STATUTES. U7 

the semi-annual password for the ensuing term. In the transmission 
of the semi-annual password, the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal 
shall use such cipher as the Supreme Chancellor may direct or approve, 
and shall exercise the utmost care to prevent such password from becoming 
known to any unauthorized person. 

446 (395). Each grand chancellor who may receive the semi-annual 

password under the provisions of the preceding section shall, on or before 
the first day of June and December of each year, cause the grand keeper 
of records and seal to transmit such password to the deputy grand 
chancellor or other installing officer of each subordinate lodge within the 
grand domain not under suspension; provided that such semi-annual 
password shall not be transmitted to any deputy grand chancellor or other 
installing officer who shall not have filed, during the then current semi- 
annual term, in the office of the grand keeper of records and seal, a 
certificate from the subordinate lodge of which such deputy or installing 
officer is a member, that he has paid all dues or other indebtedness to his 
lodge to the beginning of such term, and that he is in good standing in 
such subordinate lodge. In the transmission of the semi-annual password, 
the grand keeper of records and seal shall use such ciper as the grand 
chancellor may direct or approve, and shall use the utmost care to prevent 
such password from becoming known to any unauthorized person. Each 
District Deputy Supreme Chancellor shall transmit the semi-annual pass- 
word received by him to the installing officer of each subordinate lodge 
under his charge, and all the provisions of this section shall apply, so far 
as may be, to such transmission. 

447 (396). The semi-annual password shall be communicated by 
the deputy grand chancellor or other installing officer to the chancellor 
commander of each subordinate lodge under his charge, at the time and in 
the manner provided in the installation ceremony. 

448 (397). Each chancellor commander shall, upon application there- 
for, personally and orally communicate the current semi-annual password 
to any member of the order who has attained the rank of knight, whose 
indebtedness to the lodge is paid to the beginning of the term for which 
such password issued, and who is otherwise in good standing in the 
subordinate lodge over which such chancellor commander presides, and 
to none others, except as provided in this chapter. (1896.) 

Read vs. Peoples, 2 Clark, 28. 

449 (398). Any member of the order who has attained the rank of 
knight, and who is in good standing in his subordinate lodge, who shall 
be unable to obtain the password for the current semi-annual term 
personally and orally from the chancellor commander of his subordinate 
lodge, shall be entitled to an order addressed to any chancellor commander 
to whom the same may be presented, requesting him to communicate to 
the member named therein the password for the semi-annual term in which 
such order is dated. The blanks for the orders described in this section 



138 



SUPREME 



[Division V, 



shall be furnished only by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, 

and shall be in form as follows: 



{Stub.) 



No. 



Order for semi- 
annual password 
for the term begin- 
ning , 

190 , issued to 



_C. C. 



Date 



ORDER FOR SEMI-ANNUAL PASSWORD. 

Lodge, No , K. P., of 



To any chancellor commander to whom these 
presents shall come, greeting: 

Brother , the bearer hereof, is 

entitled, upon presentation of this order, together 
with an official receipt for all indebtedness to this 
lodge to the beginning of the semi-annual term 
within which this order bears date, to receive the 
semi-annual password for such term. 

Please invest him therewith, and take up and 
destroy this order. 

Dated this day of , 190 , P. P 



_, C. C. 



_, K. R. S. 



On the back of the order shall appear the Great Seal of the Supreme 
Lodge and the signature of the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, 
together with section 451 of this chapter. No order for the semi-annual 
password shall be valid unless upon the blank form herein prescribed. 

450 (399). No order for the semi-annual password shall be issued 
to a member of a subordinate lodge, at a time or during a period when 
such subordinate lodge shall be without the word and not entitled to it. 

451 (400). Upon presentation of an order for the semi-annual pass- 
word, upon an official blank dated in the* current semi-annual term and 
properly signed and sealed, together with the official receipt described 
therein, to any chancellor commander, by one who shall by personal iden- 
tification or examination in the secret work, or both, prove himself to 
be the person designated in such order and official receipt, such chancellor 
commander shall personally and orally communicate to him the semi-annual 
password described therein; provided that, should the person presenting 
such order and official receipt be intoxicated or insane, then such chancellor 
commander may refuse to communicate to him the semi-annual password; 
but in such case he shall at once notify the chancellor commander who 
issued the order, of his action and of the reason therefor. When a 
chancellor commander shall have invested a brother with the semi-annual 
password under the provisions of this section, he shall in every case 
immediately take up and destroy the order therefor. 

452 (402). The use of the semi-annual password shall be at all times 
strictly limited by the provisions of the rituals of the order. 



Part II.] STATUSES. 130 

453 (403). The Supreme Chancellor may at any time, when in his 
judgment the good of the order shall so require, abrogate and annul the 
semi-annual password then in use; but, in such case, he shall at the same 
time select and promulgate, in the manner provided in section 445 of 
this chapter, a new password for the use of subordinate lodges during the 
remainder of the current semi-annual term. 



CHAPTER II. 

OFFICERS QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE. 

454 (404). The terms "outer guard" and "master at arms," as particu- 
larly designated in the obligation, are hereby construed to include the 
corresponding officers of the Supreme Lodge and of grand lodges, so far 
as the same relate to officers qualified to receive the semi-annual password. 



140 supreme; [Division VI, 

DIVISION VI. 

PYTHIAN OFFENCES. 

PART I. 

BY THE SUPREME CHANCELLOR OR A SUPREME TRIBUNE. 



CHAPTER I. 

IMPEACHMENT, TRIAL AND PUNISHMENT. 

455 (57). The Supreme Chancellor or a Supreme Tribune shall be 
liable to impeachment for drunkenness, or for a breach of trust in connec- 
tion with the funds of the order, or for any violation of the criminal 
laws of his country involving moral turpitude, or for neglect of his official 
duties or obligations, or for any wilful betrayal of the interests of the 
order, or for any conduct unbecoming a Knight of Pythias. 

456 (58). Articles of impeachment may be preferred against the 
Supreme Chancellor or a Supreme Tribune by ten or more Supreme 
Representatives, or by six or more Supreme Lodge officers. 

457 (59). The Supreme Tribunal and the Supreme Lodge officers, 
other than those preferring the articles, shall be the tribunal to try the 
Supreme Chancellor or a Supreme Tribune against whom articles of 
impeachment have been preferred. 

458 (60). The articles of impeachment herein provided for shall spec- 
ify the offence or offences charged, and in what it consists, with clearness 
and precision and with reasonable detail as to time, place and circumstances, 
and be signed by the parties preferring them, and shall be filed with 
the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. 

459 (61). When articles of impeachment shall have been preferred 
against the Supreme Chancellor or a Supreme Tribune, and filed, the 
presiding officer of the trial tribunal shall fix a time and place for the 
trial, and at once notify the other members of the tribunal of the time 
and place appointed. Thereupon the Supreme Keeper of Records and 
Seal shall attest and issue a summons, citing the accused to appear before 
the trial tribunal on the day and at the place so appointed, which shall be 
specified in the summons. He shall issue at the same time a correct 
copy of the articles of impeachment, which shall accompany the summons 
and be left with the accused. Such summons and copy of the articles may 
be served by any member of the order authorized by the Supreme Keeper 






Part I.] STATUTES. 141 

of Records and Seal so to do, or by registered letter mailed by the 
Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal to the usual postoffice address of 
the accused. 

460 (62). Evidence on the trial of impeachments may be oral or 
by depositions taken upon proper notice. At least twenty days' notice 
of the time and place of taking depositions shall be given the adverse 
party. The Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, upon application of the 
accused, may designate by order in writing, which shall be filed with 
and kept with the papers, the party upon whom notice to the prosecution 
may be served. The notice may be served either by personal service, or 
by registered letter mailed to the proper address of the person entitled 
thereto. 

461 (63). The Supreme Chancellor shall preside on the impeachment 
of a Supreme Tribune, unless he be one of those preferring the articles, 
in which event the officer of the Supreme Lodge highest in rank, not so 
disqualified, shall preside. 

462 (64). The Chief Tribune shall preside on the impeachment of 
the Supreme Chancellor. 

463 (65). In all cases, either party may be represented by counsel 
of his own selection, who shall be members of the order in good standing. 

464 (66). On the trial of impeachments, the trial tribunal shall have 
such jurisdiction and powers as are conferred by the provisions of the 
Supreme constitution relating to impeachment. 

465 (67). The Supreme Chancellor or Supreme Tribune impeached 
hereunder shall be suspended from the exercise of his official duties until 
his acquittal. If the Supreme Chancellor or Supreme Tribune impeached 
shall be convicted, the judgment shall not extend beyond removal from 
office and disqualification to fill any office in the order thereafter. 

466 (68). When the Supreme Chancellor shall be suspended from 
the exercise of his official duties, pending his impeachment as herein 
provided for, the Supreme Vice Chancellor shall discharge the duties of 
Supreme Chancellor pending such suspension. When a member of the 
Supreme Tribunal shall be suspended from the exercise of his official 
duties, pending his impeachment, as herein provided, the Supreme Chan- 
cellor shall fill by appointment the temporary vacancy thus occasioned. 

467 (69). Impeachment and conviction hereunder shall not preclude 
or prevent the trial and punishment of the offender for the same offence 
before any other tribunal of the order having jurisdiction of the party and 
of the offence. 

468 (70). After all the evidence upon the impeachment of the Su- 
preme Chancellor or of a Supreme Tribune shall have been heard and 
considered, as hereinbefore provided, the guilt of the" accused shall be 
determined by the trial tribunal by vote, by yeas and nays, and the vote 



142 SUPREME [Division VI, 

shall be entered in full upon the minutes of its proceedings, full 
and accurate record of all of which shall be kept by the Supreme Keeper 
of Records and Seal. If two-thirds of all the members shall vote in 
favor of his conviction, the judgment shall be removal of the accused 
from his office and disqualification to hold any office in the order thereafter, 
or only removal from office, as the trial tribunal may determine — and 
the judgment shall be recorded on the minutes. If less than two-thirds 
of all the members vote for his conviction, the accused shall stand 
acquitted, and the judgment shall be so recorded on the minutes. 

469 (71). The record of the proceedings of the trial tribunal, signed 
by the presiding officer thereof and attested by the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, shall be returned to the Supreme Lodge at its next 
convention and filed in the archives of that body. 

470 (72). If the Supreme Chancellor impeached hereunder shall be 
convicted and removed from office, the duties of the office shall at once 
devolve upon the Supreme Vice Chancellor for the unexpired term of said 
Supreme Chancellor. 

471 (73). If a Supreme Tribune shall be impeached, convicted and 
removed from office, the vacancy shall be filled at once by the appointment 
by the Supreme Chancellor of a person eligible thereto, who shall hold 
said office until the next convention of the Supreme Lodge. 



PART 11. 

BY MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME LODGE. 
CHAPTER I. 

DEFINITION, TRIAL AND PENALTIES. 

472 (74). Any Supreme Lodge officer other than the Supreme Chan- 
cellor may be removed from office for drunkenness, or for a breach of trust 
in connection with the funds of the order, or for any violation of the 
criminal laws of his country involving moral turpitude, or for wilful 
neglect of his official duties or obligations, or for any wilful betrayal of 
the interests of the order, or for conduct unbecoming a Knight of Pythias. 

473 (75). For any of the offences specified in the preceding section, 
charges may be preferred against such Supreme Lodge officer by ten or 
more Supreme Representatives or by six or more Supreme Lodge officers. 

474 (76). The charges herein provided for shall specify the offence 
charged, and in what it consists, with clearness and precision and witfi 
reasonable detail as to time, place and circumstances, and shall be filed with 
the Recorder of the Supreme Tribunal. 



Part II.] STATUTES. 143 

475 (77). The Supreme Tribunal and the Supreme Lodge officers, 
other than the accused and those preferring the charges, shall constitute 
the tribunal for the trial of the Supreme Lodge officer against whom 
charges shall have been preferred as provided by this chapter. 

476 (78). When such charges shall have been preferred and filed, the 
presiding officer of the trial tribunal shall fix a time and place for the 
trial thereof, and notify the other members of the tribunal of the time 
and place so appointed; thereupon the recorder of ttie Supreme Tribunal 
shall attest and issue a summons citing the accused to appear before the 
tribunal on the day and at the place specified in the summons. He shall 
issue at the same time a correct copy of the charges, which shall accom- 
pany the summons and be left with the accused. Such summons and 
copy of the charges may be served by the marshal, or the recorder when 
acting as marshal, of the Supreme Tribunal, or by registered letter mailed 
by the recorder to the usual postoffice address of the accused. 

477 (79). Evidence on the trial of such charges may be oral or by 
depositions taken on proper notice. At least twenty days' notice of the 
time and place of taking depositions shall be given the adverse party. 
The recorder of the Supreme Tribunal, upon application of the accused, 
may designate by order in writing the party on whom notice to the pros- 
ecution may be served, but such order shall be filed and kept with the 
papers in the cause. The notice may be served either by personal service, 
attested by the pledge of honor of the party serving the same, or by 
registered letter to the proper postoffice address of the person entitled 
thereto. 

478 (80). The Chief Tribune shall preside on the trial of such 
charges, and the trial tribunal may on proper application grant con- 
tinuances, or for good cause shown change the place fixed for the trial, 
having reference always to economy in expenditures and to the reasonable 
convenience of the accused. Said tribunal shall have such other juris- 
diction and powers as are conferred by the Supreme constitution in the 
provisions thereof relating thereto. 

479 (81). In all cases either party may be represented by counsel 
of his own selection, who shall be members of the order in good standing. 

480 (82). The Supreme Lodge officer accused shall be suspended 
from the exercise of his official duties while such charges are pending 
against him, and the temporary vacancy thus occasioned shall be filled by 
the Supreme Chancellor by appointment. 

481 (83). If the Supreme Lodge officer so accused shall be convicted, 
the judgment shall not extend beyond his removal from office and dis- 
qualification to fill any office in the order thereafter. Conviction hereunder 
shall not prevent or preclude the trial and punishment of the accused for 
the same offence before any other tribunal of the order having jurisdiction 
of the party and of the offence. 



144 supreme [Division VI, 

482 (84). The conviction and removal from office of a Supreme 
Lodge officer, upon his trial herein provided for, shall require the affirm- 
ative vote of two-thirds of all the members constituting the trial tribunal. 
If two-thirds of all the members of said tribunal shall vote in favor of 
his conviction, the judgment shall be removal from his office and disqual- 
ification to hold any office in the order thereafter, or removal from office 
only, as the tribunal may determine. 

483 (85). Upon the removal from office of a Supreme Lodge officer 
by trial and conviction as herein provided for, the duties of said office shall 
devolve upon the person appointed thereto by the Supreme Chancellor 
under section 480, until the next convention of the Supreme Lodge. 

484 (86). The recorder of the Supreme Tribunal shall keep a full and 
accurate record of the proceedings of the trial tribunal, which record, 
signed by the presiding officer and attested by the recorder, shall be 
returned to the Supreme Lodge at its next convention and filed in the 
archives of that body. 

485 (86a). Any member of the Supreme Lodge may be expelled from 
membership in the Supreme Lodge for drunkenness, or for a breach of 
trust in connection with the funds of the order, or for any violation of 
the criminal laws of his country involving moral turpitude, or for wilful 
neglect of any official duty that may be imposed upon him, or for wilful 
betrayal of the interests of the order, or for conduct unbecoming a Knight 
of Pythias. (1902.) 

486 (86b). The methods of procedure relating to preferring charges, 
trial, etc., as provided in this chapter, shall be followed, so far as applicable, 
in the case of a member of the Supreme Lodge, and he shall be charged 
and tried in the same manner as herein provided for Supreme Lodge 
officers. (1902.) 

487 (86c). In case of conviction, the judgment of the trial body shall 
expel the member from membership in the Supreme Lodge. (1902.) 



PART III. 

BY GRAND LODGES AND OFFICERS. 
CHAPTER I. 

DEFINITION, TRIAL AND PENALTIES. 

488 (429). If a grand lodge, or any officer thereof in his official 
capacity, shall wilfully or persistently neglect or refuse to observe and 
in all respects to conform to the rituals of the order, or either of them, 



Part III.] STATUTES. 145 

or shall suffer or permit any subordinate lodge within its domain so 
to do; or if a grand lodge, or any officer thereof in his official capacity, 
shall wilfully or persistently violate, or shall refuse to neglect or observe 
and enforce within its domain, the Supreme constitution of the order, or 
any Supreme statute enacted in accordance therewith, or shall suffer or 
permit any subordinate lodge within its domain so to do; or if a grand 
lodge, or any officer thereof in his official capacity, shall wilfully or 
persistently neglect or refuse to obey and enforce any lawful mandate 
of the Supreme Chancellor, or shall suffer or permit any subordinate lodge 
within its domain so to do; such grand lodge or officer thereof shall be 
guilty of an offence against the Supreme law and shall be subject to the 
proceedings and punishment designated in this chapter. 

489 (430). If the Supreme Chancellor shall believe that any grand 
lodge has been guilty of either of the offences defined in the preceding 
section, and no convention of the Supreme Lodge is to be held within 
sixty days, he is hereby authorized and directed at once to notify such 
grand lodge, through its grand chancellor, of the offence or offences with 
which it is charged, and cite it to appear, by its grand chancellor, before 
him, within thirty days from the date thereof, at such time and place as 
shall be designated in such notice, and show cause why its warrant or 
charter should not be suspended. The notice herein provided for shall 
set forth clearly the acts constituting such offence, and shall be served 
upon the grand chancellor of the accused grand lodge either by personal 
service or by registered mail to his address as shown upon the books of 
the Supreme Lodge. 

490 (431). At the time and place designated in the citation required 
by the preceding section, the Supreme Chancellor shall carefully and thor- 
oughly investigate the charges against such grand lodge, as designated and 
set forth in the citation, and shall fully hear and weigh all evidence and 
arguments which may be presented. Any party interested may be rep- 
resented or assisted by counsel, who shall be members of the order in good 
standing. After such hearing, if the Supreme Chancellor shall be satisfied 
that such grand lodge is guilty of any of the offences as to which the 
hearing has been held, he may order its warrant or charter suspended, 
either conditionally until revocation of its unlawful acts, or absolutely 
until the next succeeding convention of the Supreme Lodge. 

491 (432). If the warrant or charter of a grand lodge shall be sus- 
pended under the operation of the preceding section, the Supreme Chan- 
cellor shall forthwith issue his order of suspension, stating therein the 
offence for which such warrant or charter has been suspended and the 
terms of the suspension, and such order of suspension shall be promul- 
gated at once to every grand and subordinate lodge of the order. If, before 
the next convention of the Supreme Lodge, the offending grand lodge 
shall comply with all the conditions stated in the order of suspension, the 
Supreme Chancellor shall, upon receipt of official notice thereof, revoke 

10 



146 SUPREME [Division VI, 

such order of suspension, and notice of such revocation shall be at once 
promulgated to every grand and subordinate lodge of the order. 

492 (433). If, after the hearing and before the decision provided for 
in section 490, the Supreme Chancellor shall be in doubt as to any 
question of Pythian law involved in the case, he may, at his pleasure, 
propound such question of law to the Supreme Tribunal, and request its 
reply for his information. The Supreme Tribunal shall as speedily as 
possible consider such question, and certify its conclusions to the Supreme 
Chancellor. 

493 (434). If any grand lodge shall refuse to obey the citation pro- 
vided for in section 489, and shall fail to appear as required thereby, the 
Supreme Chancellor may proceed at once with the investigation, and, if 
satisfied that such grand lodge is guilty of the offences charged, he may at 
once order its warrant or charter suspended, as provided in section 490. 

494 (435). If the warrant or charter of any grand lodge shall be 
suspended in accordance with section 490 or section 493, or if the next 
convention of the Supreme Lodge is to be held within sixty days from 
the time when the Supreme Chancellor shall come to the belief specified 
in section 489, then he shall, not less than thirty days prior to such 
convention of the Supreme Lodge, by notice addressed to the grand 
keeper of records and seal of such grand lodge, and in the manner provided 
in section 489, cite it to appear thereat, by its Supreme Representatives, 
and show cause why its warrant or charter should not be suspended or 
finally revoked for the causes specified in such citation. At such con- 
vention of the Supreme Lodge, the Supreme Chancellor shall make full 
report of all facts in his possession and of his action thereon, whereupon 
the accused grand lodge shall be fully heard in defence. All parties to 
such hearing may be represented or assisted by counsel, who must be past 
grand chancellors in good standing who- have received the Supreme 
Lodge Rank. 

495 (436). After the hearing required by the preceding section, the 
Supreme Lodge shall determine by secret ball ballot the guilt or innocence 
of the accused grand lodge. If the ballot result in conviction, the Supreme 
Lodge shall proceed, without the intervention of recess or closing or 
of other business, to determine the penalty which shall be inflicted upon 
the offending grand lodge. Such penalty may be the revocation of its 
warrant or charter, or the suspension of its warrant or charter until the 
next succeeding convention of the Supreme Lodge, or the suspension of 
its warrant or charter conditioned to terminate upon the revocation of its 
unlawful acts and its full conformity to the Supreme law, upon which 
penalties vote shall be taken by secret ball ballot in the order named. 
During proceedings under this chapter, members of the Supreme Lodge 
who are also members of the accused grand lodge shall be permitted 
to participate in the hearing, but at the close of such hearing, and before 



Part III.] STATUTES. 147 

!•'!■■ 

either of the votes defined herein is~ taken, all persons who are members 
of the order within the domain of such grand lodge, and all persons who 
may have acted as counsel for either party during the hearing, shall retire 
from the Supreme Lodge and shall not be present during any part of such 
voting. In voting upon the question of guilt or innocence, black balls 
shall indicate guilt and white balls innocence, and a number of black balls 
equal to a majority of all members of the Supreme Lodge not also members 
of the accused grand lodge shall be necessary for conviction. In voting 
upon questions of penalty, black balls shall be held in favor of the penalty 
under consideration, and white balls opposed, and the vote of a majority 
of all members of the Supreme Lodge who are not members of the accused 
grand lodge shall be necessary to inflict either of the penalties described 
in this section. If the requisite number of members shall not vote in 
favor of either of the penalties herein defined, then the Supreme Chancellor 
shall in open Supreme Lodge reprimand the offending grand lodge, and 
the order of suspension shall stand revoked. All ballots taken under this 
section shall be inspected jointly by the Supreme Chancellor, the Supreme 
Vice Chancellor and the Supreme Prelate, who shall agree as to the result, 
which shall then be declared by the Supreme Chancellor. No ballot taken 
under this section shall be at any time reconsidered or repeated in any 
manner whatsoever. 

496 (437). Whenever the warrant or charter of any grand lodge 
shall have been suspended under the provisions of this chapter, the 
Supreme Chancellor shall withhold the semi-annual password from such 
grand lodge during the continuance of such suspension, and all Pythian 
intercourse with such grand lodge, or with the subordinate lodges thereof, 
or with their members or any of them, by other bodies, branches or 
members of the order, is hereby strictly prohibited and forbidden during 
such suspension. 

497 (438). If the warrant or charter of a grand lodge shall be sus- 
pended or revoked by the Supreme Lodge under the provisions of this 
chapter, the Supreme Chancellor shall at once issue his proclamation, 
under the Great Seal of the Supreme Lodge, reciting therein the offences 
of which the offending grand lodge has been found guilty by the Supreme 
Lodge and the penalty which has been inflicted therefor ; provided that if 
such penalty be suspension conditioned to terminate upon the performance 
of some act by such grand lodge, then such proclamation shall be delayed 
until sixty days after the close of the convention of the Supreme Lodge 
at which such action was had, and shall not be issued if within said sixty 
days the offending grand lodge shall, in the judgment of the Supreme 
Chancellor, fully conform to the conditions prescribed in such order of 
suspension. 

498 (439). If the warrant .or charter of a grand lodge shall be 
revoked under the provisions of this chapter, its domain and all subordinate 



148 supreme [Division VI , 

lodges therein shall thereafter be deemed fully under the control of the 
Supreme Lodge, and new subordinate lodges and a new grand lodge may- 
be established therein as if no grand lodge had previously existed. 

499 (440). If the Supreme Chancellor shall be convinced that any 
officer of a grand lodge has been guilty of either of the offences defined in 
section 488, he shall prefer, or cause to be preferred, in the Supreme 
Tribunal charges against such officer, and prosecute the same to a final 
hearing; and, upon the filing of said charges in said Supreme Tribunal, 
the said officer so charged shall be suspended from the exercise of his 
official functions pending such charges. (1896.) 

Kennedy vs. Gushing, 8 S. T., 63. 



PART IV. 

BY MEMBERS OF THE ORDER. 
CHAPTER I. 

DEFINITION AND PENALTIES. 

500 (405). Any member of the order who shall violate any pledge 
contained in the obligations of any rank of knighthood, or of any legislative 
rank which he may have received, shall be deemed guilty of an offence 
against the order, and shall be subject, upon conviction thereof, to 
expulsion from the order, to suspension from the order for a definite 
period or to suspension from the order for an indefinite period. 

Sample vs. Wellenvoss, 5 Clark, 53. 

Munro vs. Wilmerding Lodge, No. 319. 8 S. T., 19. 

Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

501 (406). Any member of the order who shall violate any law of the 
state or country of his residence, or any of the rules of reputable society, 
shall be deemed guilty of conduct unbecoming a Knight of Pythias, and 
upon conviction thereof, may be punished by reprimand, by suspension, 
either definite or indefinite, or by expulsion, and not otherwise, as may be 
determined by the subordinate lodge before whom his guilt has been 
established. The certified record of any court before which the member 
has been convicted of such offence may be used as evidence in his trial 
by the lodge, but shall not be conclusive of his guilt. 

Gavin vs. G. L. Colorado, 2 Clark, 17. 
Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

502 (407). Any member of the order who shall defraud or attempt 
to defraud the Supreme Lodge, or who shall publicly attack or scandalize 
the Supreme Lodge or any officer or member thereof as such, or the 



Part IV.] STATUTES. 149 

Supreme Tribunal or any Supreme Tribune as such, shall be deemed 
guilty of an offence against the order, and upon conviction thereof, he may 
be punished by reprimand, by suspension, cither definite or indefinite, or by 
expulsion from the order. Fcthrrs vs v>()ul]]ru ^ j s> T<| ^ 

Kennedy vs. Gushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

503 (408). Any member of the order who shall neglect or refuse 
to obey the Supreme law or any part thereof, or who shall neglect or 
refuse to obey any legal mandate or order of the Supreme Chancellor, shall 
be deemed guilty of an offence against the order, and, upon conviction 
thereof, may be punished by reprimand, by suspension, either definite or 
indefinite, or by expulsion. Fethers vs Boufflour , 8 s . i\, 54. 

Kennedy vs. Gushing, H S. T., 63. 

504 (409). Any member of the order who shall neglect or refuse 
obedience to the laws enacted by his grand lodge, or to the legal mandates 
of any officer thereof, or who shall defraud or attempt to defraud such 
grand lodge, or who shall publicly attack or scandalize such grand lodge 
or any member thereof as such, shall be deemed guilty of an offence 
against the ordei, and upon conviction thereof, may be punished by rep- 
rimand, suspenrion, either definite or indefinite, or by expulsion irom the 
order. 

505 (410). Any member of the order who shall wilful v violate any 
law or by-law of his subordinate lodge, or who shall defraud or attempt 
to defraud such lodge, or who shall publicly attack or scandalize such 
lodge or the order or any member thereof as such, shall be deemed guilty 
of an offence against the order, and, upon conviction thereof, may be 
punished by reprimand, by fine, by suspension, either definite or indefinite, 
or by expulsion from the order. 

506 (411). Any member of the order, not now engaged in either of 
the occupations known as professional gambler, saloon-keeper, bar-tender 
or retail dealer in spirituous liquors, wine, ale or beer (except as a bona 
fide hotel-keeper or druggist), who shall hereafter engage in either of such 
occupations, shall be deemed guilty of an offence against the order, and, 
upon conviction thereof, shall be suspended or expelled, as the subordinate 

lodge of which he is a member may determine. 

Gavin vs. G. L. Colorado, 2 Clark, 17. 
Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54- 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

507 (412). Any member of the order, hereafter initiated, who shall 
engage in either of the occupations known as saloon-keeper, bar-tender 
or retail dealer in spirituous liquors, wine, ale or beer (except as a bona 
fide hotel-keeper or druggist), or who shall become a professional gambler, 
shall be deemed guilty of an offence against the order, and, upon convic- 
tion thereof, shall be punished by suspension for a definite or indefinite 
time or by expulsion. . Gavin vs. G. L. Colorado, 1 Clark 17. 

508 (413). Any officer of any grand lodge or of any subordinate 
lodge, who shall be guilty of any malfeasance in office, or of wilful neglect 



150 supreme [Division VI, 

or refusal promptly and faithfully to discharge the duties of such office, 
shall be deemed guilty of an offence against the order, and upon conviction 
thereof, may be removed from office, suspended from the body in which 
he holds such membership, or from the order, either definitely or indefinitely, 
or expelled from the body or from the order; provided that, of all 
offences defined in this section, the body in which the offender may hold 
office shall have original jurisdiction. 

Dunne vs. Oahu Lodge, No. i, 4 Clark, 68. 

Eisenberg vs. Oswego Lodge, No. 9, 7 S. T., 18. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

509 (414). Wilful failure or refusal to abide by or perform any 
judgment, mandate or decree of the Supreme Tribunal, by any party 
thereto, is hereby declared to be an offence against the order, the penalty 
for which, upon conviction, shall be as follows : 

Par. a (1). If an officer or member of the order — expulsion from the 
order. Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Par. b (2). If a grand lodge or a subordinate lodge — revocation 6f 
its warrant or charter. 

510 (415). To resist or wilfully obstruct the due execution or en- 
forcement of any judgment, mandate or decree of the Supreme Tribunal, 
or to aid or abet another in so doing, is hereby declared to be an offence 
against the order, the penalty for which, upon conviction, shall be as 
follows : 

Par. a (1). If a member of the order — expulsion from the order. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 
Par. b (2). If a grand lodge or a subordinate lodge — revocation of its 
warrant or charter. 

511 (416). A member of the order who for any cause whatever shall 
wilfully renounce the order, or the obligations thereof shall be deemed 
guilty of an offence against the order, and, upon conviction thereof, shall 
be expelled from the order. 

512 (417). For the purposes of trial and punishment, the words, 
"member of the order/' as used in this chapter, shall be held to include 
ex-members of the order, suspended members and members under suspen- 
sion for any cause whatsoever. 

513 (309). Members of the order shall not resort to the civil courts 
of the land, for establishing rights and redressing grievances growing out 
of membership in the order, until they shall have exhausted their remedies 
in the tribunals of the order. Sample vs> We ii e nvoss, 5 Clark, 53. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

CHAPTER II. 

USE OF NAME, EMBLEMS, ETC. 

514 (418). The use of the name of the order, or of any term derived 
from or germane thereto, or the use of the emblems, mottoes or 



Part IV.] STATUTES. 151 

devices, credentials or diplomas thereof, by any body or organization of 
the order or by any member or ex-member thereof, for any of the purposes 
or in any manner described in this chapter, is hereby declared to be an 
offence against the order, and is expressly prohibited and forbidden. 

515 (419). No body or organization of the order, nor any member 
or ex-member thereof, shall use the name of the order or any term derived 
therefrom or germane thereto, or any emblem, motto or device belonging 
thereto, for the promotion of any lottery, raffle, gift enterprise or other 
scheme of chance. The warrant or charter of any body or organization 
violating the provisions of this section shall be revoked. Any member 
or ex-member of the order who shall violate the provisions of this section 
shall be suspended or expelled from the order, as may be determined by 
the subordinate lodge having jurisdiction. Fethers vs Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

516 (420)- No body or organization of the order, nor any member 
or ex-member thereof, shall use the name of the order, or any term derived 
therefrom or germane thereto, as the name or title of any association 
or society engaged in the business of life insurance or the payment of 
endowment, death or accident benefits, or in any constitution, laws, cir- 
culars, advertisements or literature of such association or society other 
than the insurance branch of the order; provided that this section shall 
not prohibit a subordinate lodge from paying to beneficiaries of its own 
members death benefits additional to or in excess of the amount provided 
by the laws of such lodge, or prevent the members of lodges in the same 
grand domain from associating for the purpose of paying to members 
benefits during sickness only. The warrant or charter of any body or 
organization of the order violating this section shall be revoked ; and 
any member or ex-member of the order violating the provisions of this sec- 
tion, or becoming a member of any such association or society, shall be sus- 
pended or expelled from the order, as may be determined by the subor- 
dinate lodge having jurisdiction. Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

517 (421). No member or ex-member of the order shall use the 
name of the order, or any term derived therefrom or germane thereto, 
or any emblem, motto or device belonging thereto, as a trade-mark, or in 
connection with any advertisement or circular, or in any other manner for 
his pecuniary benefit or business purposes, except in advertising the man- 
ufacture or sale of Pythian goods or publications. Any member or ex- 
member of the order violating the provisions of this section shall be subject 
to suspension or expulsion, as may be determined by the subordinate lodge 
having jurisdiction. Calogne vs. Castle Hall Association, 1 Clark, 7. 

Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54- 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

518 (422). No body or organization of the order, nor any member 
or ex-member thereof, shall use the name of the order, or any term 






152 SUPREME [Division VI. 

derived therefrom or germane thereto or to either of its branches, or shall 
display or cause to be displayed any flag, colors, emblem, motto, credential 
or diploma of the order, in, over or upon any place of business devoted 
to the sale of spirits, wines or malt liquors, and commonly known as a 
saloon, or in or upon any hotel bar where are sold spirits, wines or malt 
liquors, or in or upon any place of business devoted wholly or in part to 
any game or scheme of chance. The warrant or charter of any boo./ or 
organization violating the provisions of this section shall be revoked. Any 
member or ex-member of the order violating the provisions of this section 
shall be expelled from the order. Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

519 (423). No member of the order, or of any organization thereof, 
shall, at any time, while clothed in the uniform of the military branch of 
the order or any part of such uniform, or while wearing any jewel of 
rank or office in the order, knowingly enter any public bar devoted to the 
sale of spirits, wines or malt liquors, or any gaming house, or any house 
or other place of notorious disrepute. Any member of the order violating 
the provisions of this section shall be expelled from the order. 

Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

520 (424). No body or organization of the order, nor any member 
or ex-member thereof, nor association of such members, shall use the name 
of the order, or any term derived therefrom or germane thereto, or any 
emblem, motto, device, banner or colors thereof, in connection with any 
demonstration, excursion, meeting, ball, concert or other entertainment 
given on the first day of the week, commonly known as Sunday, or in 
any advertisement, circular or other printed matter or announcement 
relating thereto or for the promotion thereof. The warrant or charter of 
any body or organization of the order violating the provisions of this 
section shall be revoked. Any member or ex-member of the order, or of 
any organization thereof, violating the provisions of this section, shall be 
suspended or expelled, as may be determined by the subordinate lodge or 
the company of the Uniform Rank having jurisdiction. 

Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

521 (425). No body or organization of the order, nor any member 
or ex-member thereof, nor association of such members, shall allow or 
permit the sale or gift of spirits, wines or malt liquors at any convention 
of a lodge, excursion, demonstration, ball, concert or other entertainment 
which may be given by them, and at which the name of the order or any 
term derived therefrom or germane thereto, or any motto, device, banner, 
emblem or colors of the order, shall be used. The warrant or charter of 
any body or organization of the order violating the provisions of this 
section shall be revoked. Any member or ex-member of the order who, 
by himself or in association with other persons, whether members of the 
order or not, shall violate the provisions of this section, shall be suspended 
or expelled, as may be determined by the subordinate lodge having juris- 
diction. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 
Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 



Part IV.] STATUTES. 153 

522 (426). Should the Supreme Chancellor become cognizant of any 
violation or infraction, direct or indirect, of the provisions of this chapter, 
or of any of them, he is hereby authorized and directed to enforce the 
provisions and penalties thereof, as follows : 

Par. a (1). If the offender be a grand lodge or a grand chancellor 
acting in his official capacity, the Supreme Chancellor shall at once proceed 
in accordance with the provisions of division vi, part iii, chapter i, of the 
Supreme statutes. 

Par. b (2). If the offender be other than a grand lodge or a grand 
chancellor acting in his official capacity, the Supreme Chancellor shall 
formulate, or cause to be formulated, the necessary complaint or charges 
against such offender or offenders, and shall forward them to the grand 
chancellor of the grand domain having jurisdiction over such offender or 
offenders, and shall order such grand chancellor to proceed at once as 
follows : If the offender be a subordinate lodge, the charges shall be 
preferred in the grand lodge, and such subordinate lodge shall be subject 
to notice, summons and trial, as may be provided for other violations of 
the Supreme law by subordinate lodges, and, if adjudged guilty, it shall be 
subject to the penalties provided in this chapter. If the offender or 
offenders be officers or individual members or ex-members of the order, the 
grand chancellor shall file the complaint or charges in a subordinate lodge 
having jurisdiction, and shall order the trial of the offender or offenders 
in the manner provided for other violations of the Supreme law, and, in 
case of conviction, the accused shall be subject to the penalties provided in 

this chapter. Fethers vs. Bouffleur, 8 S. T., 54. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Par. c (3). In case a subordinate lodge shall refuse to hear and try 
the charges so preferred by the grand chancellor, he shall at once suspend 
the warrant or charter of such subordinate lodge, if so ordered by the 
Supreme Chancellor. Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Par. d (4). If the subordinate lodge shall, after trial, fail or refuse 
to convict a member against whom such complaint and charges have been 
filed, any member thereof or the grand chancellor may, in his discretion, 
appeal to the grand lodge or grand tribunal having jurisdiction of the case. 
If upon final hearing, the offender or offenders be convicted of the offence 
charged, and the trial subordinate lodge shall still fail or refuse to inflict 
the penalty prescribed by this statute, and ordered to be imposed by the 
tribunal of final hearing in the case, the Supreme Chancellor shall there- 
upon order the grand chancellor of the grand domain in which such 
subordinate lodge is located at once to suspend the warrant or charter of 
such subordinate lodge; provided that, should a majority of the members 
of such subordinate lodge, prior to the next convention of its grand lodge, 
petition the grand chancellor for permission to rescind the action upon 
which suspension was based, he- may authorize such subordinate lodge 
to take the action proposed in the petition, and, upon compliance by such 



154 SUPREME [Div. VI; Part IV. 

subordinate lodge with the orders or judgment made in the case, he shall 
revoke his order suspending the warrant or charter of such lodge. 

Kennedy vs. Cushing, 8 S. T., 63. 

Par. e (5). When the warrant or charter of a lodge shall have been 
suspended under paragraph c or d of this section, the grand chancellor 
shall at once prefer charges in the grand lodge against such subordinate 
lodge, setting forth clearly the offence with which it is charged and for 
the alleged commission of which the suspension was ordered, specifying the 
time, place and other material circumstances, and file said charges in the 
office of the grand keeper of records and seal. A copy of said charges 
shall be sent by the grand keeper of records and seal, by registered mail, 
to the chancellor commander of such lodge, together with a summons 
requiring the lodge to appear at the next convention of the grand lodge, 
to answer the same. If, upon hearing the evidence produced by the parties 
respectively, the grand lodge shall find the subordinate lodge guilty of the 
offence charged, the penalty shall be revocation of its warrant or charter, 
or the further suspension thereof for such time as the grand lodge may 
determine. If the said charges be not sustained, the order of suspension 
theretofore made by the grand chancellor shall stand revoked. 

Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge. No. 129, 1 Clark, 43. 

Par. f (6). If the subordinate lodge be under the immediate control 
of the Supreme Lodge, then the orders herein provided to be given by the 
grand chancellor shall be given with like force and effect by the Supreme 
Chancellor, and the trial of said subordinate lodge shall be had in the 
Supreme Lodge. 

523 (427). In all trials arising under this chapter, the Supreme Chan- 
cellor or the grand chancellor may designate and commission any member 
or members of the order in good standing to represent him as attorney 
or counsel in the prosecution of such complaint or charges; and such 
attorney or counsel shall be and is hereby empowered to do and perform 
any act or thing usually done or performed by attorneys as such, and which 
may be necessary to the conduct of said trial, and to the full and final 
hearing of all the facts, pleadings and issues. All evidence taken in such 
trial shall be reduced to writing and entered on the records of the trial 

^y* Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 Clark. 43. 

524 (428). Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent a 
member of the order in good standing, other than the Supreme Chancellor, 
from commencing and prosecuting complaints and charges for the offences 
herein enumerated. Gorman vs. Aldine Lodge, No. 129, 1 CJark, 43. 



Div. VII, Part I.] statutes. 155 

DIVISION VII. 

SUNDRY PROVISIONS. 

PART I. 

PYTHIAN CALENDAR. 



CHAPTER I. 

PYTHIAN PERIOD. 

525 (441). The order of Knights of Pythias having been instituted 
and established on the 19th day of February, 1864, the Pythian Period is 
hereby declared to date therefrom, and each and every year thereafter shall 
succeed in numerical order, commencing with that date. 

526 (442). The term "Pythian Period" shall be used in official docu- 
ments emanating from or issued by any body of the order, immediately 
after any date of the vulgar era, in style and form as follows : "This, the 
day of , 190— P. P. ." 

527 (443). The 19th day of February is hereby established as the an- 
niversary day of the institution of the order. 

CHAPTER II. 

MEMORIAL DAY. 

528 (444). The Tuesday following the second Sunday in June, of each 
year, is hereby set apart and established as the "Memorial Day" of the 
order of Knights of Pythias, and all bodies of the order are hereby author- 
ized and requested to meet in their respective localities, upon said day in 
each year, whenever practicable and convenient, for the purpose of engag- 
ing in such services and exercises as may be appropriate to the occasion ; 
provided that a subordinate lodge may select a different day for such serv- 
ices when the circumstances render it desirable. 

CHAPTER III. 

FISCAL YEAR. 

529 (445.) The term "fiscal year," wherever used in these statutes, 
shall be held to mean the period of twelve calendar months beginning 
April 1 of each calendar year and ending March 31 of the succeeding cal- 
endar year. 



156 supreme [Division VII, 

PART II. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 
CHAPTER I. 

JEWELS. 

530 (no). All jewels of the order, except those for the Uniform 
Rank, shall be supplied by the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, at 
such prices as may be fixed by the committee on printing and supplies from 
time to time, to persons legally entitled to procure them; and it shall not 
be lawful for any lodge, body or member of the order to procure, wear or 
be in possession of any jewel, or any imitation thereof, except such as shall 
have been obtained from the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, either 
directly or through the proper grand lodge ; provided that this section shall 
not apply to jewels of the approved design, heretofore presented to or in 
possession of any member of the order, which have been properly attested 
by the impression of the Great Seal of the Supreme Lodge. (1898.) 

531 (in). Supreme Lodge jewels, except jewels for Past Supreme 
Representatives, shall be of the following design : A circular frame, of gold 
or other yellow metal, one-half inch in width and two and one-half inches 
in outside diameter ; on this an equilateral triangle, of silver or other white 
metal, the points of which shall reach the outer circumference of the circle, 
the apex being upward. Upon this triangle shall be placed appropriate em- 
blems, in gold or other yellow metal, indicative of the rank, honor or station 
of the wearer, as follows: 

Past Supreme Chancellor. — In the upper portion, three five-pointed 
stars, arranged in a triangle ; in the centre, a globe enclosed in a triangle ; 
in the right and left lower corners, the escutcheon of the order, consisting 
of crossed battle axes, breastplate and helmet surmounted by a falcon. 

Supreme Chancellor. — In the upper portion, a mailed hand grasping a 
truncheon ; in the centre, a globe enclosed in a triangle ; in the right and 
left lower corners, the escutcheon of the order. 

Supreme Vice Chancellor. — In the upper portion, a globe ; in the lower 
portion, a baton placed horizontally, with the escutcheon of the order at 
each end. 

Supreme Prelate. — In the upper portion, a globe ; in the lower portion, 
the book of law, open. 

Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal. — In the upper portion, a globe ; 
in the lower portion, crossed pens. 

Supreme Master of Exchequer. — In the upper portion, a globe; in the 
lower portion, crossed keys. 






Part II.] STATUTES. 157 

Supreme Master at Arms. — In the upper portion a globe; in the lower 
portion, a sword, a lance and a battle axe, crossed. 

Supreme Inner Guard. — In the upper portion, a globe ; in the lower por- 
tion, two swords, crossed. 

Supreme Outer Guard. — In the upper portion, a globe; in the lower por- 
tion, a sword placed horizontally. 

Major General of the Uniform Rank. — In the upper portion, two stars, 
one above the other; in the centre, a calla lily; in the right and left lower 
corners, the escutcheon of the order. 

President of the Board of Control. — In each of the three corners, the 
escutcheon of the order ; in the centre, a scroll with the letters E R. 

Deputy Supreme Chancellor. — In the upper portion, a globe ; in the lower 
portion, a scroll. 

Past Supreme Representative. — A circular frame of gold or other yellow 
metal, five-sixteenths of an inch in width and one and five-eighths inches 
in outside diameter; suspended within the frame, by two small gold or gilt 
chains, a banner shield of white enamel with gold or gilt edges, bearing a 
raised globe surmounted by the word Dirigo, both in gold or gilt. 

532 (112). Grand lodge jewels shall be of the following design: An 
oval frame of gold or other yellow metal, five-sixteenths of an inch in 
width, its outside diameter being two and three-eighths inches vertically 
and one and one-half inches horizontally; on this, occupying its upper half., 
an equilateral triangle of silver or other white metal; on the triangle, ex- 
tending from its centre to the lower edge of the oval, a shield of gold or 
other yellow metal; upon this shield shall be placed appropriate emblems 
in silver or other white metal, indicative of the rank, honor or station of the 
wearer, as follows: 

Supreme Representative. — A banner shield, on which shall be shown, 
in the order named, the word Dirigo, a globe and a blank space in which 
the name of the grand domain represented may be engraved. 

Past grand chancellor. — The escutcheon of the order. 

Grand chancellor. — A mailed hand grasping a truncheon. 

Grand vice chancellor. — A vertical baton, with the escutcheon of the 
order at each end. 

Grand prelate. — The book of law, open. 

Grand keeper of records and seal. — Crossed pens. 

Grand master of exchequer. — Crossed keys. 

Grand master at arms. — A sword, a lance and a battle axe, crossed. 

Grand inner guard. — Two swords, crossed. 

Grand outer guard. — One sword, placed vertically. 

Deputy grand chancellor. — A scroll. 

533 (113). Jewels for past grand representatives and representatives 
in grand lodges shall be of the following design: An oval frame of gold 
or other yellow metal; in the upper third of the frame, the letter K en- 



158 supreme [Division VII, 

closed in a triangle, and in the lower third the letter P enclosed in a tri- 
angle, all of gold or other yellow metal ; between the two triangles, a hori- 
zontal bar of black enamel, on which shall be placed, for a past grand rep- 
resentative, the letters P G R in silver or other white metal; for a grand 
representative, figures in silver or other white metal indicating the number 
of the lodge. The frame above prescribed shall be five-sixteenths of an 
inch in width, its outside diameter being two and three-eighths inches ver- 
tically and one and a half inches horizontally; or seven-sixteenths of an 
inch in width, its outside diameter being three and five-eighths inches ver- 
tically and two and one-fourth inches horizontally. 

534 (114). Subordinate lodge jewels shall be of the following design: 
A frame of silver or other white metal, which shall be, for a past chancel- 
lor's jewel, a pentagon, three-eighths of an inch in width, with a vertical 
diameter of two inches and a horizontal diameter of one and seven-eighths 
inches, the apex upward; for a chancellor commander's jewel, a double 
triangle, three-eighths of an inch in width, with a vertical diameter of two 
and one-fourth inches and a horizontal diameter of one and seven-eighths 
inches ; for all others, an equilateral triangle, three-eighths of an inch in 
widch and measuring two and one-fourth inches from point to point, the 
apex downward. 

Upon this frame shall be placed appropriate emblems indicative of the 
rank, honor or station of the wearer, as follows : 

Past chancellor. — The escutcheon of the order in gold or other yellow 
metal. 

Chancellor commander. — Two swords and a lance (in silver or other 
white metal), crossed, surmounted by the escutcheon of the order in gold 
or other yellow metal. 

Vice chancellor. — A vertical lance (in silver or other white metal), sur- 
mounted by the escutcheon of the order in gold or other yellow metal. 

Prelate. — A circle in silver or other white metal, on which shall be 
placed the open book of law in gold or other yellow metal. 

Master of the work. — Fasces and a torch in silver or other white metal, 
crossed. 

Keeper of records and seal. — Crossed pens in silver or other white metal. 
Master of finance. — A pen and a key in silver or other white metal, 
crossed. 

Master of exchequer. — Crossed keys in silver or other white metal. 
Master at arms. — A sword, a lance and a battle axe in silver or other 
white metal; the butts touching and the ends extending outward. 

Inner guard. — Two crossed swords in silver or other white metal. 

Outer guard. — One sword, in silver or other white metal, placed verti- 
cally. 

Knight. — An oval, surrounded by the letters F C B ; on the upper half 
of the oval, the words "Knights of Pythias"; on the lower half, the 



Part II.] STATUTES. 159 

escutcheon of the order, bearing the words "Esto perpetua" — all in gold or 
other yellow metal. 

535 (114a). There shall be a jewel to be known as the 'Veteran's 
jewel," consisting of a shield surrounded by scroll work and surmounted 
by the escutcheon of the order; in the centre three vertical bars, enameled 
in the colors of the order; on the bars, the letters "K P" and the Roman 
numerals "XXV" ; at the bottom, the words, "Pythian Veteran." The 
material may be either gold or silver. The veteran's jewel shall be obtain- 
able only by such persons as have been for at least twenty-five years mem- 
bers in good standing of one or more subordinate lodges ; and it shall be a 
Pythian offence for any member of the order, other than as above specified, 
to wear such jewel. (1902.) 

536 (115). Any jewel of the order may be made of such degree of 
fineness as may be desired. 

537 (116). All jewels of the order shall be authenticated by the Great 
Seal of the Supreme Lodge, stamped in miniature on the reverse thereof. 
Each jewel shall be attached by a link to a horizontal hanger, the link and 
the hanger being of the same material as the frame. 

538 (117). During conventions of lodges, subordinate, grand or Su- 
preme, each occupant of an official station shall wear the jewel pertaining 
to such station. During conventions of a subordinate lodge, each page 
shall wear a blue collar, each esquire shall wear a yellow collar, and every 
other person, not occupying an official station, shall wear the jewel of the 
highest rank or honor which he has attained, or of some lower rank or 
honor; except that a Deputy Supreme Chancellor or a deputy grand 
chancellor, when making an official visit, may wear the jewel pertaining to 
that position. During conventions of a grand lodge, every person not occu- 
pying an official station shall, if a grand representative, wear a grand repre- 
sentative's jewel; or, if not a grand representative, the jewel of the highest 
rank or honor which he has attained, or a past chancellor's jewel. During 
conventions of the Supreme Lodge, every person not occupying an official 
station shall, if a Supreme Representative, wear a Supreme Representa- 
tive's jewel; or, if not a Supreme Representative, the jewel of the highest 
rank or honor which he has attained, or a past grand chancellor's jewel. 
Individual members and lodges, in possession of jewels of a larger size than 
those prescribed in this chapter, may continue to use them. 

539 (118). With the exception of the veteran's jewel, the jewels of the 
order shall not be worn outside of the castle hall, except during Pythian 
parades, funerals or other Pythian ceremonies of a public character. 

CHAPTER II. 

DIPLOMAS AND CREDENTIALS OF RANK AND HONOR. 

540 (446). Any member of the order who has attained the rank of 
knight, and who is in good standing, shall be entitled to receive from his 



160 supreme [Division VII, 

subordinate lodge, at his request and upon payment of the required fee 
therefor, a diploma of the rank of knight, signed by the chancellor com- 
mander and keeper of records and seal, and bearing the seal of his lodge. 

541 (447). Any member of the order who is in good standing, and 
who has attained the honor of past chancellor, shall be entitled to receive 
from his grand lodge, at his request and upon payment of the required fee 
therefor, a diploma of the honor of past chancellor, signed by the grand 
chancellor and grand keeper of records and seal, and bearing the seal of 
his grand lodge; provided that, if the lodge of which such past chancellor 
is a member be under the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, then 
such diploma shall be issued upon like conditions by the Supreme Lodge, 
and shall be signed by the Supreme Chancellor and the Supreme Keeper 
of Records and Seal, and shall bear the seal of the Supreme Lodge. 

542 (448). Any member of the order who is in good standing, and 
upon whom the grand lodge rank has been conferred, or who has attained 
the honor of past grand representative, shall be entitled to receive from his 
grand lodge, at his request and upon payment of the required fee therefor, 
a diploma of the grand lodge rank or of the honor of past grand representa- 
tive, signed by the grand chancellor and grand keeper of records and seal, 
and bearing the seal of his grand lodge. 

543 (449). Any member of the order who is in good standing, and who 
has attained the honor of past grand chancellor, or who has attained the 
Supreme Lodge rank, or who has attained the honor of Past Supreme Rep- 
resentative, shall be entitled to receive from the Supreme Lodge, at his 
request and upon payment of the required fee therefor, a diploma of the 
honor of past grand chancellor, or of the Supreme Lodge rank, or of the 
honor of Past Supreme Representative, as the case may be, such diploma 
to be signed by the Supreme Chancellor and the Supreme Keeper of Re- 
cords and Seal. 

544 (450). Any member of the order who is in good standing, and 
who by service has attained the honor of Past Supreme Chancellor, shall 
be entitled to receive from the Supreme Lodge a diploma of the honor of 
Past Supreme Chancellor, signed by the Supreme Chancellor and the Su- 
preme Keeper of Records and Seal, and bearing the Great Seal of the Su- 
preme Lodge. 

545 (451). Should the holder of either of the diplomas described in 
this statute be expelled from the order, such diploma may be revoked and 
its return demanded by the body issuing the same. 

546 (452). Any member of the order removing his lodge membership 
from one to another grand domain, or to or from territory under the im- 
mediate control of the Supreme Lodge, may obtain from the grand keeper 
of records and seal of his former grand lodge, or from the Supreme 
Keeper of Records and Seal, as the case may be, a credential, addressed to 
the grand lodge of the grand domain to which he transfers his membership, 



Part II.] 



STATUTES. 



161 



or to the Supreme Lodge, as the case may be, certifying to any honor or to 
any legislative rank attained by him ; and it is hereby made the duty of the 
proper grand keeper of records and seal, or of the Supreme Keeper of Re- 
cords and Seal, to issue such credentials of honor or rank to persons en- 
titled thereto, upon payment of the required fee therefor. Such credential 
shall be deposited with the body to which it is addressed, whereupon the 
name of the holder shall be entered upon the roster thereof, as of the honor 



or rank indicated therein. 



Crisler vs. Hinsey, 7 S. T., 8. 



547 (453). The olank forms of the diplomas and credentials described 
in this statute shall be prepared and furnished by the Supreme Keeper of 
Records and Seal, and not otherwise. 

548 (454). No credential or diploma of honor or rank in the order, 
other than those described in this statute, shall be recognized as authorized 
or valid; and the Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal, all grand keepers 
of records and seal and all keepers of records and seal are hereby expressly 
forbidden to certify by their signatures, or to authenticate by the seal of 
their respective bodies, any credential or diploma of rank or honor in the 
order, other than those described in this statute ; provided that this section 
shall not be construed to affect the proper signature, authentication and 
validity of transfer cards, withdrawal cards, grand lodge cards and Su- 
preme Lodge cards. 

CHAPTER III. 

THE BANNER OF THE ORDER. 

549 (459). The banner of the order shall be composed of three pieces 
of silk, of colors and sizes as follows : dark blue, size eighteen by thirty 
inches ; orange yellow, size eighteen by thirtjr inches ; crimson, size twenty- 
four by thirty-six inches. Colors and initials to be placed as shown by the 
diagram below. The full size of the banner to be three by four and one- 




half feet. The shield in the centre, embroidered or painted white, to be 
eighteen by twenty- four inches, and* the rank of the lodge to be indicated 
on the shield as follows: 
11 



162 supreme; [Division VII, 

Par. a (i). For Supreme Lodge — a globe, encircled by the words "Su- 
preme Lodge Knights of Pythias." 

Par. b (2). For grand lodges — the seal of such grand lodge or of its 
state, territory, district or province, encircled by the words "Grand Lodge 
Knights of Pythias of ." 

Par. c (3). For subordinate lodges — the escutcheon of the order, and 
about it words and figures indicating the name, number and location of the 
lodge. 

Along the edges of the banner shall be fine gold lines, one and one-half 
inches deep, and on the bottom gilt fringe three or three and one-half 
inches deep. 

550 (460). The staff shall be of hard wood, seven or eight feet long, 
with a spear head on top, and at the ends of the cross-piece, made of simi- 
lar wood, shall be ball and falcon spear heads. 



CHAPTER IV. 

APPEALS FOR AID. 

551 (455). Appeals for aid, in behalf of a subordinate lodge or of a 
member or members thereof, may be issued and circulated within the do- 
main of the grand lodge in which said subordinate lodge is located, only by 
permission of such grand lodge or the grand chancellor thereof. 

552 (456). Appeals for aid by grand lodges, or by subordinate lodges* 
within their domains, or by a member or members thereof as such, shall not 
be issued, circulated or read in any body of the order in the domain of any 
other grand lodge, except by permission of such other grand lodge or the 
grand chancellor thereof, nor in any subordinate lodge under the immediate 
control of the Supreme Lodge, except by permission of the Supreme Lodge 
or the Supreme Chancellor. 

553 (457). Appeals for aid in behalf of subordinate lodges under the 
immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, or of members thereof, shall not 
be issued, circulated or read in any body of the order in territory under 
the immediate control of the Supreme Lodge, except by permission of the 
Supreme Lodge or the Supreme Chancellor, nor in the domain of any grand 
lodge, except by permission of such grand lodge or the grand chancellor 
thereof. 

554 (458). Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prohibit the 
Supreme Chancellor from issuing appeals for aid, in cases of public calamity 
or disaster, or for purposes duly approved by the Supreme Lodge. 



Part II.] STATUTES. 163 

CHAPTER V. 

FORMS AND CEREMONIES CONTINUED IN FORCE. 



scribed and provided by enactment, resolution or otherwise, which are in 
consonance with, conformity to and not in conflict with the Supreme con- 
stitution or these statutes, and which were in force at the time of the 
adoption of the present Supreme constitution, shall be and are hereby re- 
vived and continued in full force and effect until repealed, amended or oth- 
erwise modified. 



OFFICIAL DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES. 



Pythian knighthood had its conception in the exemplification of the life 
test of true friendship existing between Damon and Pythias. 

Friendship, or mutual confidence, being the strongest bond of union 
between man and man, and only existing where honor has an abiding 
place, is adopted as a foundation principle. 

As the ideal knight of olden time was the personification of all the higher 
and nobler attributes of man's nature, the candidate for knighthood had 
to prove himself worthy of acceptance by those who valued friendship, 
bravery, honor, justice and loyalty. 

The order of Knights of Pythias — founded in Friendship, Charity and 
Benevolence, which it proclaims as its cardinal principles — strives to gather 
into one mighty fraternity worthy men who appreciate the true meaning 
of friendship; who are cautious in word and act; who love truth; who 
are brave in defending right; whose honor is untarnished; whose sense 
of justice will prevent, to the best of their ability, a personal act or word 
injurious to the worthy; whose loyalty to principle, to family, to friends, 
to their country and to the constituted authority under which they enjoy 
citizenship is undoubted; and who, at all times, are prepared to do unto 
others as they would that others should do unto them. 



(164) 



ACTS OF INCORPORATION. 



The Congress of the United States of America, by Act approved May 5, 
1870 (16 U. S. Statutes at Large, 101, 102), authorized the incorporation 
in the District of Columbia of societies, benevolent, educational, etc. Under 
this law the following articles of association were filed : 

Whereas, It is deemed advisable to have the Supreme Lodge Knights 
of Pythias an incorporated body under the laws of the Congress of the 
United States, for the more perfect working of the beneficent intentions 
of the said order; and 

Whereas, With a view to promote this object, and as grand and subordi- 
nate lodges of the said order have been formed or organized^in various 
states and territories, and will be hereafter formed in various other states 
and territories of the United States, as well as foreign countries ; now, 
therefore, 

1. Be it Known, That in accordance with the Act of Congress entitled "An 
Act to provide for the creation of corporations in the District of Columbia 
by general law," approved May 5, 1870, the undersigned having associated 
themselves for the purpose and with the design of establishing and creating 
the corporation to be known and named the Supreme Lodge Knights of 
Pythias, do hereby make and authorize to be filed in the office of the Reg- 
ister of Deeds, in the District of Columbia, this certificate and these articles 
of association for the government of themselves, their associates, assigns 
and successors. • 

2. And be it Further Known, That the beneficial association of which 
this is the certificate shall be known as the Supreme Lodge of the Knights 
of Pythias, the seal of which has been copyrighted by the Supreme Record- 
ing and Corresponding Scribe in the clerk's office of the Supreme Court 
of the District of Columbia. 

3. And be it Further Known, That Joseph T. K. Plant, Past Supreme 
Chancellor Clarence M. Barton, of the District of Columbia; Venerable 
Supreme Patriarch Wilbur H. Myers of Pennsylvania; Supreme Chancel- 
lor Samuel Read of New Jersey; Supreme Vice Chancellor C. L. Russell 
of Ohio; Supreme Banker W. A. Porter of Pennsylvania; Supreme Guide 
John F. Comstock of Connecticut; Supreme Inner Steward H. Clay Lloyd 

(165) 



166 ACTS OF 

of Kentucky; Supreme Outer Steward George H. Crager of Nebraska; 
Past Supreme Chancellor Edward Dunn, Past Grand Chancellors Harry 
Kronheimer, J. R. N. Curtin, Francis Woods, Hugh G. Devine, Joseph S. 
Martin, of the District of Columbia, together with all past grand chancel- 
lors of each and every state, territory or jurisdiction, now organized or 
hereafter to be organized under the authority of this Supreme Lodge, shall 
constitute from and after the riling of this certificate as aforesaid, "The 
Supreme Lodge of Knights of Pythias of the World." 

4. And be it Further Known, That the Board of Trustees of said Su- 
preme Lodge Knights of Pythias (who shall be elected annually) shall 
consist of Joseph T. K. Plant, Clarence M. Barton, Edward Dunn, Joseph 
S. Martin, Francis Wood, Harry Kronheimer and Hugh G. Devine, who 
shall serve until the election of their successors at the annual session of the 
Supreme Lodge in April, 1871, and shall serve without pay. 

5. And be it Further Known, That no contract for the disbursement of 
the moneys of the said Supreme Lodge shall be valid and of effect until 
ratified by the board of finance or financial committee. 

6. And be it Further Known, That the officers of the said Supreme 
Lodge Knights of Pythias of the World shall consist of Venerable Supreme 
Patriarch, Supreme Chancellor, Supreme Vice Chancellor, Supreme Re- 
cording and Corresponding Scribe, Supreme Banker, Supreme Guide, 
Supreme Inner Steward, Supreme Outer Steward, all of whom shall be 
elected by ballot every alternate year, on the first day of the session of said 
Supreme Lodge, and the said Supreme Recording and Corresponding 
Scribe and Supreme Banker shall give such security for the faithful per- 
formance of their duty as may be ordered by said Supreme Lodge. 

7. And be it further Known, That the said Supreme Lodge shall hold 
an annual session for the transaction of all business for the benefit and wel- 
fare of the order, and that the Supreme Chancellor may, and on the call of 
fifteen past grand chancellors or Past Supreme Chancellors shall, convene 
the Supreme Lodge at any time business may demand, and all of said annual 
sessions shall be held in such city or town as the Supreme Lodge may de- 
termine upon at a regular session; provided, all special or called sessions 
shall be held in the City of Washington, D. C. 

8. And be it Further Known, That a representative from a majority of 
the grand lodges working under the jurisdiction of this Supreme Lodge 
shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. 

9. And be it further known, That the said Supreme Lodge shall have 
power to alter and amend its constitution and by-laws at will, and that it 
shall have power to prescribe modes of initiation, etc., for the working of 
said order, and no grand or subordinate lodges, purporting to be Knights 
of Pythias, shall have legal standing unless chartered by or through the 
regularly elected officers of this Supreme Lodge, in regular or called ses- 
sion, or by the Supreme Chancellor during the recess of said Supreme 
Lodge. 



INCORPORATION. 16? 

In Witness Whereof, We, the undersigned officers and members of the 
Supreme Lodge of Knights of Pythias of the World, have hereunto affixed 
our names and seals, this 5th day of August, A. D. 1870. 

Jos. T. K. Plant. [Seal.] 

Edward Dunn. [Seal.] 

Francis Wood. [Seal.] 

Jos. S. Martin. [Seal.] 

Clarence M. Barton. [Seal.] 
H. Kronheimer. [Seal.] 

Hugh G. Devine. [Seal.] 



Whereas, On the fifth day of August, A. D. 1870, it was deemed neces- 
sary to incorporate the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias of the World, 
under the Act of Congress approved May 5, A. D. 1870, entitled "An Act 
to provide for the creation of corporations in the District of Columbia by 
general law"; and 

Whereas, The body corporate thereby created has powers conferred on 
them by said law to make proper laws to govern themselves and to alter and 
amend their act or deed of incorporation; it is therefore, in view of the 
said law, that the following amendments to said deed of incurporation are 
acknowledged by the proper officers and members and placed on file in said 
district. 

And it is hereby agreed and understood that everything in these articles 
different to those in the old articles shall be the act of incorporation, jointly 
with so much of the old act as may not be altered by these articles. And 
which said articles of incorporation are hereby amended and altered as fol- 
lows: 

1. To section 2 add the words, "and has also been recorded in the office 
of the Librarian of Congress, in the capitol of the United States, at Wash- 
ington, D. C." 

2. That all of section 3 in the paper filed August 5, 1870, is hereby de- 
clared void, and the following is inserted in lieu thereof: "The Supreme 
Lodge shall consist of all Past Supreme Chancellors; the Supreme officers 
and two Supreme Representatives from each grand lodge under the juris- 
diction of said Supreme Lodge, until there are 20,000 members belonging 
to one grand lodge, and one Supreme Representative for each additional 
10,000 members; provided, that no grand lodge shall be entitled to more 
than four Supreme Representatives." 

3. That section 4 be altered to read as follows : "The Board of Trustees 
shall consist of Supreme Chancellor S. S. Davis of New Hampshire, S. K. 
R. S. Joseph Dowdall of Ohio, S. M. E. John B. Stumph of Indiana, and 
Supreme Vice Chancellor D. B. Woodruff of Georgia, who shall serve until 



168 ACTS Otf 

the election of their successors, it being understood that the four principal 
officers of the Supreme Lodge shall compose the Board of Trustees." 

4. That all of section 5 is hereby annulled. 

5. That section 6 shall hereafter be section 5, except the words: "On 
the rirst day of the session of said Supreme Lodge." 

6. That section 7 shall hereafter be section 6, and shall read and be as 
follows: "That the said Supreme Lodge shall hold an annual session at 
such time and place as a majority of its members present may determine, 
for the transaction of all business for the benefit and welfare of the order, 
and that the Supreme Chancellor may, and on the call of the Supreme Rep- 
resentatives of ten grand jurisdictions in writing shall, convene an extra 
session of said Supreme Lodge at Washington City, D. C." 

7. And further, all succeeding sections are hereby altered in number 
to correspond as above, and the names of all Supreme officers are hereby 
made to agree with the constitution of the order. And it is hereby declared 
that all and singular the parts of the incorporation of August 5, 1870, not 
altered by this supplemental paper are hereby ratified and reaffirmed, and 
that said Supreme Lodge shall be and remain a body corporate for the term 
of twenty years. And for the purpose of a compliance with the Ac£ of 
Congress heretofore cited, we, S. S. Davis of New Hampshire, Joseph 
Dowdall of Ohio, John B. Stumph of Indiana and D. B. Woodruff of 
Georgia, officers and trustees of said Supreme Lodge ; Past Supreme Chan- 
cellor Jos. T. K. Plant of the District of Columbia, Past Supreme Chan- 
cellor Samuel Read of New Jersey and Past Grand Chancellors Frederick 
D. Stuart, G. J. L. Foxwell, Richard Goodhart, A. T. Cavis and A. J. 
Gunning, all of the District of Columbia, as incorporators, have hereunto 
affixed their hands and seals, this fifth day of October, A. D. 1875. 

S. S. Davis, S. C. [Seal. 

Joseph Dowdall, S. K. R. S. [Seal. 

John B. Stumph, S. M. E. [Seal. 

D. B. Woodruff, S. V. C. [Seal. 

Samuel Read, P. S. C. [Seal. 

Jos. T. K. Plant, P. S. C. [Seal. 

Fred. D. Stuart, P. G. C. [Seal. 

G. J. Foxwell, P. G. C. [Seal. 

Richard Goodhart, P. G. C. [Seal. 

A. T. Cavis, P. G. C. [Seal. 

A. J. Gunning, P. G. C. [Seal. 



Whereas, By virtue of the provisions of the Act of Congress approved 
May 5, A. D. 1870, entitled "An Act to provide for the creation of cor- 
porations in the District of Columbia by general law," the Supreme Lodge 
Knights of Pythias of the World was duly incorporated on the 5th day of 



INCORPORATION. 169 

August, A. D. 1870, by compliance with the terms of the said Act of Con- 
gress, and the certificate of incorporation was, on the said 5th day oi Aug- 
ust, A. D. 1870, duly filed and recorded among the deeds of incorporation, 
folio 75, in the office of the recorder of deeds in the District of Columbia; 
and 

Whereas, In pursuance of the power and authority in said corporation 
lodged, afterwards, on the 5th day of October, A. D. 1875, certain articles of 
the said act of incorporation were amended, and the unchanged articles 
ratified and confirmed, and proper articles of amendment duly executed in 
conformity with the requirements of the law aforesaid, and recorded or 
filed for record in the office of the recorder of deeds aforesaid, on the said 
5th day of October, 1875 ; and 

Whereas, It is deemed expedient that the following additional amend- 
ments to the said deed of incorporation should be made, and to that end 
the same are now executed and acknowledged by the proper officers and 
members and placed on file for record. And it is hereby agreed and under- 
stood that every clause and provision in these articles as amended, in con- 
flict with the original or amended act of incorporation, shall be the act of 
incorporation jointly, with every clause in the oldest or the amended act 
not altered by these articles. 

Now, therefore, The articles of incorporation are hereby amended and 
altered as follows, viz. : 

6. Section 6 is hereby amended and shall read and be as follows, viz. : 
"That the sessions of the Supreme Lodge shall be held at such times and 
in such places as the Supreme Lodge may, in accordance with constitution 
and laws, determine, for the transaction of all business for the benefit and 
welfare of the order, and the Supreme Chancellor shall convene extra 
sessions of the Supreme Lodge in the manner prescribed in the constitution 
of the said Supreme Lodge." 

9. That the following additional section, to be known as section 9, be 
added to the act of incorporation, as amended, viz. : "That the said 
Supreme Lodge shall have power to establish the Uniform Rank and the 
Endowment Rank, upon such terms and conditions, and governed by such 
rules and regulations, as to the said Supreme Lodge may seem proper." 

And it is hereby declared that all and singular the parts of the act of 
incorporation of August 5, 1870, not altered by the supplementary paper 
of the 5th of October, A. D., 1870, and all the parts of the said last men- 
tioned paper, so far as neither of the said original or supplementary acts 
is changed by this paper, are hereby ratified and reaffirmed, and the said 
Supreme Lodge shall be and remain a body corporate for the term of 
twenty years. 

And for the purpose of a compliance with the terms of the Act of 
Congress heretofore cited, we, George W. Lindsay of Maryland, Joseph 
Dowdall of Ohio, John B. Sturhph of Indiana and John P. Linton of 
Pennsylvania, officers and trustees of the said Supreme Lodge; Past Su- 



170 ACTS OF 

preme Chancellor D. B. Woodruff of Georgia, Past Supreme Chancellor 
Samuel Read of New Jersey, Past Grand Chancellors G. J. L. Foxwell, 
A. J. Gunning, John W. Thompson, Joseph T. Coldwell, and Past Supreme 
Chancellor Justus H. Rathbone, all of the District of Columbia, as in- 
corporators, have hereunto affixed their hands and seals, this 7th day of 
March, A. D., 1882. 

Geo. W. Lindsay, [Seal.] 

Jno. P. Linton, [Seal.] 

Jno. B. Stumph, [Seal.] 

Joseph Dowdall, [Seal.] 

D. B. Woodruff, P. S. C, [Seal.] 
Samuel Read, P. S. C, [Seal.] 
G. J. L. Foxwell, [Seal.] 

A. J. Gunning, [Seal.] 

Jno. W. Thompson, [Seal.] 

Jos. T. Coldwell, [Seal.] 

J. H. Rathbone. [Seal.] 



An Act to incorporate the Supreme Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled, That George B. Shaw, of the 
city of Eau Claire, state of Wisconsin ; William W. Blackwell, of the city 
of Henderson, state of Kentucky ; Walter B. Richie, of the city of Lima, 
state of Ohio; Robert L. C. White, of the city of Nashville, state of Ten- 
nessee; Philip T. Colgrove, of the city of Hastings, state of Michigan; 
and Tracy R. Bangs, of the city of Grand Forks, state of North Dakota, 
officers and members of the Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, and their 
successors, be, and they are hereby, incorporated and made a body politic 
and corporate in the District of Columbia by the name of "The Supreme 
Lodge Knights of Pythias" and by that name it may sue and be sued, plead 
and be impleaded, in any court of law or equity, and may have and use 
a common seal, and change the same at pleasure, and be entitled to use and 
exercise all the powers, rights and privileges incidental to fraternal and 
benevolent corporations within the District of Columbia. 

Sec. 2. That the said corporation shall have the power to- take and 
hold real and personal estate, not exceeding in value one hundred thousand 
dollars, which shall not be divided among the members of the corporation, 
but shall descend to their successors for the promotion of the fraternal 
and benevolent purposes of said corporation. 

Sec. 3. That all claims, accounts, debts, things in action or other matters 
of business of whatever nature now existing for or against the present 
Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias, mentioned in section 1 of this Act, 
shall survive and succeed to and against the body corporate and politic 
hereby created; provided, that nothing contained herein shall be construed 



INCORPORATION. 171 

to extend the operation of any law which provides for the extinguishing of 
claims or contracts by limitations of time. 

Sec. 4. That said corporation shall have a constitution, and shall have 
power to amend the same at pleasure; provided, that such constitution or 
amendmends thereof do not conflict with the laws of the United States or 
of any state. 

Sec. 5. That said corporation shall not engage in any business for gain ; 
the purposes of said corporation being fraternal and benevolent. 

Sec. 6. That Congress may at any time amend, alter or repeal this Act. 

Charles F. Crisp, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Approved, June 29, 1894. A. E. Stevenson, 

Grover Cleveland. President of the Senate. 



Aii Act to amend an Act to incorporate the Supreme Lodge of the Knights 

of Pythias. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United 
States of America in Congress assembled. That the first section of the Act 
approved June twenty-ninth, eighteen hundred and ninety-four, entitled 
"An Act to incorporate the Supreme Lodge of Knights of Pythias," be and 
the same is hereby amended by adding thereto the following : 

"And said corporation may provide for the meetings of its legislative 
or governing body wherever such association shall have subordinate bodies, 
and all business transacted at such meetings shall be valid in all respects 
as if such meetings we're held within said District; and all business here- 
tofore transacted at any meetings held outside of the District of Columbia 
shall be valid in all respects to the same extent as if such meetings had 
been held within said district.' , 

Section 2. That this Act shall take effect from and after its passage and 
approval. 

David B. Henderson, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Wm. P. Frye, 
President pro tempore of the Senate. 
Approved June 7, 1900. 
William McKinley. 



The Supreme Lodge Knights of Pythias is a fraternal and benevolent 
society, incorporated under the Acts of Congress. The beneficiary or 
insurance branch of the order is known as the Endowment Rank, which is 
composed of those members of the order who have taken out benefit cer- 
tificates. (U. S. Supreme Court, in Withers vs. Supreme Lodge Knights 
of Pythias, 177 U. S., 260.) 



INDEX. 



[Articles and sections of the Supreme constitution are indicated by the letter C, followed 

by the proper numerals; sections of the Supreme statutes are indicated 

by the letter S, followed by the proper figures.] 



Accident insurance — 

Name of order not to be used in connection with S. 516 

Adjutant general — 

Books and accounts to be examined S. 35 

Member of supreme assembly S. 414 

Duties and compensation S. 419 

Admission by initiation — 

Eligibility for C. xi, 6 ; S. 203, 204, 205, 206 

Form of application for S. 207, 208 

Disposition of application for S. 209 

Ballot on application for S. 210, 211, 221 

Objection to, after election S. 212 

Ballot on application for, not to be reconsidered S. 213 

Fee of rejected applicant for, must be returned S. 214 

Application for, may be withdrawn, when S. 215 

Discussion concerning applicant for S. 215 

Fee for, must be paid in advance , S. 220 

Fee for, not to be refunded S. 220 

Application for, not to be ballotted on when received S. 221 

Amount of fee for S. 276, 299, 301 

Aid, appeals for — 

Regulations concerning S. 551, 552, 553, 554 

Anniversary of the order — 

Date of S. 527 

Appeals for aid — 

Regulations concerning S. 551, 552, 553, 554 

Appropriations from the Supreme Lodge exchequer — 

Duties of committee on finance as to S. 35 

Form of bills for S. 70 

Limitations as to S. 71 

Arrears — 

What constitutes " S. 245, 247 

Suspension on account of S. 248 

(173) 



174 INDEX. 

Assessments — 

Subordinate lodge may levy S. 247 

Members suspended for non-payment of, not to pay dues S. 249. 

Ballot on application — 

Regulations concerning S. 210, 211 

When objection is made after election S. 212 

Not to be reconsidered or renewed S. 213 

Result of, must not be discussed S. 215 

Not to be taken when application is received S. 221 

Banner of the order — 

Description S. 549, 550 

Bar-tender — 

Penalty for becoming S. 506, 507 

Benefits, funeral — 

Subordinate lodge must pay C. xi, 8; S. 259 

Subordinate lodge may control excess over $20 S. 260, 26] 

Must be paid in case of suicide S. 262 

Benefits, weekly — 

Power of grand lodge to control C. x, 15 

Bonds of Supreme Lodge officers — 

Power of Supreme Chancellor as to C. viii, 14 

Branches of the order — 

What arc C. iii, 2 

Brigadier general. Uniform Rank — 

Member of supreme assembly S. 414 

Business or trade — 

Name of the order not to be used in S. 517 

Candidates for advancement — 

To be examined S. 2l8, 219 

Ceremonies, previous — 

Continued in force S. 555 

Chancellor commander — 

Serving part of term, becomes past chancellor, when S. 200 

Duties concerning ballot on candidate S. 211 

May call knight to the chair to confer ranks S. 222 

Presiding officer in absence of S. 201 

Duties as to rituals S. 441, 442 

Duties as to S. A. P. W S. 448, 449, 451 

Charter of grand lodge — 

Optional with Supreme Lodge to grant S. 157 

Form of S. 157 

Issue of, vacates warrant S. [58 

Duplicate S. 159 

Must be displayed C. x, 14 

Suspension or revocation S. 161, 162 



INDKX. 175 

Charter of subordinate lodge — 

Optional with grand lodge to grant S. 267 

Form of S. 267 

Validity of former S. 267 

Issue of, vacates warrant S. 268 

Duplicate S. 269 

Must be displayed S. 270 

Conditions as to surrender S. 271 

Suspension or revocation of S. 273 

Restoration of S. 274, 275 

Civil courts — 

Members must not resort to S. 513 

Claims against Supreme Lodge — 

How audited and paid S. 72 

Committees of Supreme Lodge — 

List of S. 31 

Termination of membership on S. 49 

May hold meetings, when S. 50 

May send for persons and papers S. 51 

Mileage and per diem of S. 53 e, f 

Committee on credentials — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 36 

Committee on Endowment Rank — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 45 

Committee on finance — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 35 

Committee on grievances — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties , S. 34 

Committee on judiciary — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 32 

Committee on mileage and per diem — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 38 

Committee on printing and supplies — 

Constituted ex officio S. 73 

Duties S. 74, 75 

Committee on reports — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 37 

Committee on review — 

Appointment '. S. 31 

Duties S. 44 



176 INDEX. 

Committee on rules — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 43 

Committee on subdivision and reference — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 47 

Committee on state of the order — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 39 

Committee on Uniform Rank — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 46 

Committee on unwritten work — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 41 

Committee on warrants and charters — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 42 

Committee on ways and means — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 33 

Committee on written work — 

Appointment S. 31 

Duties S. 40 

Compensation — 

Of Supreme Chancellor C. viii, 17 

Of Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal S. 12 

Of Supreme Master of Exchequer S. 18 

Of Major General S. 423 

Of Supreme Tribunes C. ix, 9 ; S. 1 1 1 

Of Recorder of Supreme Tribunal C. ix, 18; S. in 

Consolidation — 

Of subordinate lodges S. 272, 298 

Constitution, Supreme — 

Part of the Supreme law C. i, 1 

Takes effect when C. xv, 3, 4, 5 ; xvii, 1 

Amendment of C. xvi, 1 

Constitutions, former — 

Repealed and annulled C, xv, 1 

Courts, civil — 

Members must not resort to S. 513 

Credentials of rank or honor- 
Regulations concerning S. 546 

Cubes — 

To be considered black balls S. 210, 257 



INDKX. 177 

Daily journal — 

Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal must issue S. 9 

Is prima facie evidence C. vii, 23 

Departments of the Supreme Government — 

Legislative C. vii 

Executive C. viii 

Judicial C. ix 

Deputy grand chancellor — 

Appointment and duties S. 168 

Accountable to grand chancellor S. 169 

May not delegate power — exception . . . S. 170 

Expiration of term S. 171 

Duty as to S. A. P. W S. 447 

Deputy Supreme Chancellor — 

Appointment C. viii, 9 ; S. 89 

Commission S. 90 

May not delegate power S. 91 

To be known as District Deputy Supreme Chancellor, when. . . .S. 92 

May nominate installing officers S. 93 

Must file certificate S. 94 

Duty as to reports and per capita tax S. 315 

Duty as to rituals S. 440 

Duty as to S. A. P. W S. 446 

Diploma of rank or honor — 

For knight S. 540 

For past chancellor S. 541 

For past grand representative S. 542 

For past grand chancellor and Past Supreme Representative.. . .S. 543 

For Past Supreme Chancellor. S. 544 

May be revoked S. 545 

Forms to be furnished by S. K. R. S S. 547, 548 

Dispensations to subordinate lodge — 

Supreme Chancellor may grant C. viii, 13 ; S. 88 

Disrepute, houses of notorious — 

Member wearing uniform or jewel forbidden to enter S. 519 

Dues — 

Power of subordinate lodge to control S. 243 

Commencement and rates S. 244 

Of member taking card S. 244 

When a member is in arrears for S. 245 

May be collected in advance — limitations S. 245 

Must be collected promptly S. 246 

Suspension for nonpayment S. 248 

Suspended member shall not be charged with S. 249, 252, 258 

Election — 

Of Supreme Lodge officers C. vii, 2 ; S. 3 

Of subordinate lodge officers S. 195, 196, 197, 198 

Emblems of the order — 

Prohibition of use of ...S. 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 520 

12 



178 index. 

Endowment Rank — 

Is a branch of the order C. iii, 2 

Purpose C. xii, i 

Membership in C. xii, 2 

Laws of, continued in force C. xv, 6 

Payment for printing for S. 79 

Powers and duties of Board of Control S. 318 to 348 

Sections , . . S. 349 to 355, 391 to 401, 406, 407 

Section by-laws S. 405 

Membership fees and certificates S. 356, 357, 358, 359 

Endowment funds and monthly payments S. 360, 361, 362, 363 

Grades of risks S. 365 to 369 

Forfeiture of and restoration to membership S. 370, 371, S7 2 } 373 

Clearance cards . . .S. 374, 375, 387, 388, 389, 390 

Resignations and suspensions •....• S. 378, 379 

Beneficiaries S. 380, 381 

Increase and decrease of endowment S. 382, 383 

Change of beneficiary S. 384, 385 

Duplicate certificates S. 386 

Proof of death S. 402, 403 

Old classes S. 408 

Rules of Board of Control S. 342, 409 

Escutcheon of the order- 
Described S. 531 

Esquire — 

Must pay dues S. 244 

Examination of candidates for advancement — 

Mandatory S. 218, 219 

Executive Department — 

Composition and powers C. viii 

Expelled members — 

Reinstatement of S. 285, 286 

Expenditures from Supreme Lodge exchequer — 

Restrictions C. vii, 21 ; S. 35, 68, 69 

Statement of C. vii, 22 

Expulsions — 

To be reported to Board of Control S. 202 

Fee for ranks of knighthood — 

Amount of S. 276, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303 

Must accompany application S. 208, 220 

Must be returned to rejected applicant S. 214 

No portion to be refunded or donated S. 220 

Fines — 

Subordinate lodge may impose S. 247 

Members suspended for nonpayment of, not to pay dues S. 249 

Fiscal year — 

Defined S. 529 



INDEX. 179 

Flag- 
Should be displayed in lodge room S. 270 

Forms, blank — 

Application for ranks of knighthood S. 207, 208 

Charter for grand lodge S. 157 

Charter for subordinate lodge S. 267 

Grand lodge card S. 282 

Supreme lodge card S. 307 

Transfer card S. 226 

Withdrawal card S. 239 

Order for S. A. P. W S. 449 

Past grand chancellor's certificates S. 175, 176 

Supreme Representative's credentials S. 29, 30 

Permission to apply for reinstatement S. 284 

Petition for warrant for subordinate lodge S. 264, 291 

Warrant for grand lodge S. 150 

Warrant for subordinate lodge S. 265, 292 

Forms, previous — 

Continued in force S. 555 

Funds, expenditure of — 

Supreme Lodge C. vii, 21, 22 ; S. 35, 68, 69 

Grand lodge S. 180 

Subordinate lodge S. 287, 288, 289, 308, 309, 310 

Funeral benefit — 

Subordinate lodge must pay C. xi, 8 ; S. 259 

Subordinate lodge may control excess over $20 S. 260, 261 

Must be paid in case of suicide S. 262 

Gambler, professional — 

Penalty for becoming S. 506, 507 

Gaming house — 

Member wearing uniform or jewel forbidden to enter S. 519 

Gift enterprise — 

Name of the order not to be used in connection with S. 515 

Good standing — 

In Supreme Lodge S. 52 

In grand lodge S. 181 

In subordinate lodge S. 223 

Government, Supreme — 

Three departments of C. vi, 1 

Grand chancellor — 

Option as to warrant for subordinate lodge S. 265 

Duty as to S. A. P. W S. 446 

Grand keeper of records and seal — 

Responsibility for rituals S. 436, 437, 439 



180 INDEX. 

Grand lodge — 

Institution of C. x, i ; S. 151, 152, 153 

Restrictions as to institution and consolidation C. x, 5 

Composition C. x, 2 

Domain C. x, 3 ; S. 154 

Temporary addition to domain C. x, 4 

Form of warrant S. 150 

Fee for warrant S. 60 

Petition for charter . S. 157 

Form of charter S. 157 . 

Warrant becomes invalid, when S. 158 

Duplicate warrant or charter S. 159 

Warrant or charter must be displayed C. x, 14; S. 160 

Suspension or revocation of warrant or charter C. x, 16, 18 

Issuance of charters to subordinate lodges S. 155, 267 

Necessary number of constituent subordinates S. 161 

Renumbering of subordinates S. 156 

Constitution C. x, n, 19 ; S. 163, 164, 165 

Laws in conflict with Supreme constitution annulled C. xv, 8 

Officers C. x, 8, 9, 10 

Conventions C. x, 13 ; S. 162 

Annual reports . . . S. 172, 173 

Per capita tax S. 57 

Power and authority C. x, 6 

Power of legislation as to benefits C. x, 15 

May create three departments C. x, 12 

Disposition of funds S. 180 

Shall not engage in life insurance, etc. C. x, 7 

Grand lodge and officers — 

Offences and penalties S. 488 to 499 

» 
Grand lodge card — 

Application for and issuance of S. 280, 281 

Issuance of, severs membership S. 234 

Offences committed by holder of S. 235 

Admission to membership by S. 236 

Fee for admission by S. 184, 278, 300, 303 

Duplicate S. 237 

Valid until revoked, annulled or deposited S. 240 

May be revoked, annulled or deposited S. 242 

Form of S. 282 

To be furnished only by S. K. R. S S. 241 

Honor, credential of — 

Regulations concerning S. 546 

Honors of the order — 

What are C. v, 1 ; xv, 2 

Impeachment — 

Of Supreme Chancellor C. vii, 11 ; S. 455 to 470 

Of Supreme Tribune C. vii, 1 1 ; S. 455 to 471 

Installation — 

Of Supreme Lodge officers S. 4 

Of subordinate lodge officers S. 199 



INDEX. 181 

Institution — 

Of grand lodge S. 151, 152, 153 

Of subordinate lodge S. 182 to 192 

Insurance, life or accident — 

Grand lodge or officer must not engage in C. x, 7 

Jewels — 

How procured S. 530 

Supreme Lodge S. 531 

Grand lodge S. 532 

Grand representative and past grand representative S. 533 

Subordinate lodge S. 534 

Veteran's S. 535 

May be of any degree of fineness . 6 536 

Must be authenticated ; S. 537 

What shall be worn S. 538 

May be worn in public, when S. 539 

Journal, daily — 

Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal must issue S. 9 

Is prima facie evidence C. vii, 23 

Judicial department — 

Composition and powers C. ix 

Jurisdiction, territorial — 

Of subordinate lodge S. 205 

Keeper of records and seal — 

May act as master of finance S. 195 

Must notify Board of Control of suspensions and expulsions. ..S. 202 

Knights of Pythias, order of — 

Composition C. ii, 1 

Structure C. iii, 1, 3 

Branches C. iii, 2 

Ranks C. iv, 1 

Honors C. v, 1 

Law, Supreme — 

What constitutes C. i, 1 

Legislation, former — 

Repealed and annulled C, xv s 1 

Legislative department — 

Composition and powers C. vii 

Life insurance — 

Name of the order not to be used in connection with S. 516 

Liquor dealer, retail — 

Penalty for becoming S. 506, 507 

Lottery — 

Name of the order not to be used in connection with S. 515 



182 index. 

Major General of the Uniform Rank — 

Eligibility C. vii, 2 ; S. 423 

Nomination, ratification, commission, compensation S. 423 

Powers and duties S. 424 

Presiding officer of supreme assembly S. 414 

Books and accounts to be examined S. 35, 425 

Vacancy in office of S. 426 

Master of finance — 

Keeper of records and seal may act as S. 195 

Membership — 

Eligibility for C. xi, 6, 7 ; S. 203, 204 

Memorial day — 

Prescribed S. 528 

Mileage and per diem- 
Rate of S. 53 

Not to be paid until adoption of report of committee S. 38 

Double, not to be paid S. 55 

Of Supreme Council S. 54 

Of Supreme Tribunal S. 11 1 

Of Supreme Assembly S. 421 

Name of subordinate lodge — 

Must not be that of a living person S. 266, 294 



Name of the order — 

Prohibition of use of S. 514, 515, 516, 517, 518, 520 

Objection to initiation or advancement — 

Method of disposing of S. 212 

Offences — 

What are S. 62, 432, 455, 472, 485, 488, 500 to 521, 53° 

Officers of Supreme Lodge — 

Election C. vii, 2 ; S. 3 

Installation S. 4 

Impeachment and trial C. vii, 1 1 

Vacancies C. viii, 4, 5, 8 

Reports to be mailed in advance S. 78 

Officers of subordinate lodge — 

Eligibility S. 195 

Nominations S. 196 

To be elected by ballot S. 197 

Grand lodge may regulate election of S. 198 

Installation S. 199 

Vacancies S. 200 

Serving part of term S. 200 

Official Record of Supreme Lodge — 

To be published C. vii, 23 

To whom to be transmitted gratis S. 9 






index. 183 

Page- 
Must pay dues S. 244 

Password, semi-annual — 

{See "Semi-annual password") 

Past chancellor — 

Honor of C. v, 1, e; xv, 2 

Member of grand lodge C. x, 2 

Past grand chancellor — 

Honor of C. v, 1, c ; xv, 2 

Entitled to seat in Supreme Lodge C. vii, 7 

May be appointed on special committee C. vii, 7 

Past grand chancellor certificates — 

Forms of S. 175, 176, 177 

To be issued by Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal S. 178 

Time of filing S. 179 

Past grand representative — 

Honor of C. v, 1, d; xv, 2 

Past Supreme Chancellor — 

Honor of C. v, 1, a; xv, 2 

Membership in Supreme Lodge C. vii, 1, a. 

Past Supreme Representative — 

Honor of C. v, 1, b; xv, 2 

Per capita tax — 

Of grand lodges S. 57 

Of subordinate lodges under immediate control of Supreme 
Lodge S. 58, 311, 312 

Period, Pythian — 

Commences when S. 525 

Use of the term S. 526 

Petition for ranks of knighthood — 

May be presented to what lodge S. 205, 206 

Form of S. 207 

Signature and endorsement S. 208 

Fee must accompany S. 208 

Physician's certificate must accompany, when S. 208 

Reference to and report of committee S. 209 

Ballot on S. 210, 21 1, 221 

Ballot on, not to be reconsidered S. 213 

May be withdrawn, when S. 215 

Powers, reserved — 

Of the Supreme Lodge ■ C. vii, 10 

President of Board of Control — 

Eligibility C. vii, 2 

Presiding officer of subordinate lodge — 

In absence of C. C. or V. C. or both S. 201 



184 INDEX. 

Printing for Endowment Rank — 

To be paid for by Board of Control S. 79 

Printing for Supreme Lodge — 

In charge of committee on printing and supplies S. 74 

What shall be done by contract S. 75 

Proposals for S. 76 

Circulars, orders, etc S. 77 

Reports of Supreme Lodge officers ,S. 78 

Pythian Period — 

Commences when S. 525 

Use of the term S. 526 

Qualifications of applicant for rank — 

Enumeration of S. 204 

Quorum — 

Of the Supreme Lodge C. vii, 9 

Of a subordinate lodge C. xi, 1 

Raffle- 
Name of the order not to be used in connection with S. 515 

Rank, credential of — 

Regulations concerning S. 546 

Ranks of knighthood — 

Eligibility for C. xi, 6; S. 203, 204 

Form of application for S. 207, 208 

Disposition of application for S. 209 

Ballot on application for S. 210, 211, 221 

Objection to conferring , S. 212 

Ballot on application for, not to be reconsidered S. 213 

Fee of rejected applicant for, must be returned S. 214 

Application for, may be withdrawn, when S. 215 

Discussion concerning applicant for S. 215 

May be conferred by another lodge, when S. 216 

Time between each of S. 217 

Fee for, must be paid in advance. S. 220 

Fee for, not to be refunded S. 220 

Application for, not to be ballotted on when received S. 221 

May be conferred by a team S. 222 

Amount of fee for S. 276, 299, 301 

Ranks of the order — 

What are C. iv, 1 

Record, Official, of the Supreme Lodge — 

To be published C. vii, 23 

To whom to be transmitted gratis S. 9 

Reinstatement — 

Of members suspended for arrearages S. 255, 256, 257 

Of members suspended "for cause" S. 254, 283, 284 

Of expelled member S. 285, 286 

Fee for S. 255, 304 



INDEX. 185 

Reports of Supreme Lodge officers — 

To be mailed in advance S. 78 

Reports, semi-annual — 

Of subordinate lodges S. 313 

Residence of applicant for rank — 

Requirements as to S. 205, 206 

Resolutions — 

Style of resolving clause C. vii, 20 

Revenue of Supreme Government — 

Sources whence derived S. 56 

Revenue, raising of — 

Committee on ways and means to report on S. 33 

Rituals — 

Part of the Supreme law C. i, 1 

What constitute C. xiv, 1 

Amendment of C. xiv, 2 

Are paramount law C. xiv, 3 

Promulgation, issue, custody and use 

- : C. xiv, 4; S. 434, 435, 436, 438, 439, 441, 442 

To be printed and published under control of S. K. R. S S. 431 

To be printed only in English S. 433 

Penalty for copying. S. 432 

Of grand lodges S. 435, 436 

Of subordinate lodges S. 438, 439, 440 

Must not be taken from lodge room S. 441, 442 

Counting of, to be made order of business S. 443 

Rules of order, previous — 

Continued in force S. 555 

Rulings, of Supreme Chancellor, former — 

Repealed and annulled C. xv, 1 

Saloon — 

Name, emblems, etc., not to be used or displayed in S. 518 

Member wearing uniform or jewel forbidden to enter S. 519 

Saloon-keeper — 

Penalty for becoming S. 506, 507 

Seal — 

Of Supreme Lodge S. 2 

Of Supreme Chancellor S. 87 

Of Supreme Tribunal S. 99 

Of grand lodge S. 166 

Of grand chancellor S. 167 

Of subordinate lodge S. 193 

Semi-annual password — 

Selection of -. C. viii, 15 ; S. 444 

Promulgation of S. 445, 446, 447 



186 INDEX. 

Semi-annual password (continued) — 

Communication of, to members S. 448 

Form of order for S. 449 

Order for, not to be issued for, when S. 450 

How communicated on order S. 451 

Limitations as to use S. 452 

Supreme Chancellor may abrogate and annul S. 453 

Certain Supreme and grand lodge officers may receive S. 454 

Special convention of Supreme Lodge — 

Supreme Chancellor to call when S. 1 

Spirits, wines, etc. — 

Prohibition as to use of S. 521 

Statutes, supreme — 

Must be of general application C. vii, 12 

Styled "propositions" while under consideration C. vii, 12 

Must not embrace more than one subject C. vii, 13 

Repeal or amendment of C. vii, 14 

Must pass three readings C. vii, 15 

Majority vote required for final passage C. vii, 16 

Not to be again considered, when C. vii, 17 

Enacting clause C. vii, 18 

Take effect, when C. vii, 19 

Subordinate lodges in general — 

Grand lodge not to be instituted with less than ten C. x; 1 

Laws of, continued in force C. x, 19 

Institution, minimum membership, quorum, powers 

C. xi, 1 ; S. 182 to 192 

Concurrent jurisdiction C. xi, 1 

Officers . C. xi, 2, 3 ; S. 194 to 200 

Attainment of ranks in S. 203 to 222 

Membership C. xi, 6, 7 

Restrictions as to Sunday C. xi, 5 ; S. 374 

Good standing in S. 223 

Must pay funeral benefit C. xi, 8 ; S. 259 

Must display warrant or charter C. xi, 4 ; S. 270 

Suspension or revocation of warrant or charter C. xi, 9 

Laws in conflict with Supreme constitution annulled C. xv, 8 

May confer rank on member of another lodge, when S. 216 

May regulate dues, assessments and fines S. 243 

May require different rates of dues S. 244 

May collect dues in advance — limitations S. 245 

Must provide for prompt collection of dues S. 246 

May impose fines and assessments S. 247 

Subordinate lodges within domain of a grand lodge — 

Form of petition for warrant to institute S. 264 

Optional with grand chancellor to grant warrant for S. 265 

Form of warrant for S. 265 

Must not be named for living person S. 266 

Optional with grand lodge to grant charter to S. 267 

Form of charter for S. 267 

Issue of charter vacates warrant S. 268 

Duplicate warrant or charter S. 269 



index. 187 

Subordinate lodges within domain of a grand lodge (continued) — 

Must display warrant or charter S. 270 

May not surrender warrant or charter, when S. 271 

Consolidation of S. 272 

Suspension or revocation of warrant or charter S. 273 

Restoration of warrant or charter S. 274, 275 

Fee for ranks in S. 276 

Fee for deposit of card in S. 277, 278 

Privileges as to fees S. 279 

Disposition of funds S. 287, 288, 289 

Subordinate lodges under immediate control of Supreme Lodge — 

Fee for warrant to institute S. 59 

Form of petition for warrant S. 291 

Optional with Supreme Chancellor to grant warrant for S. 292 

Form of warrant for S. 292 

Report of institution S. 293 

Must not be named for a living person S. 294 

Duplicate warrant S. 295 

May not surrender warrant, when. S. 296 

Restoration of warrant or charter S. 297 

Consolidation of S. 298 

Per capita tax of S. 58, 311, 312 

Semi-annual reports of S. 313 

Penalties for failure to forward report and tax S. 314 

Duty of D. D. S. C. as to report and per capita tax S. 315 

Penalty for failure to hold regular conventions S. 316 

Approval of laws of S. 317 

Fee for ranks in S. 299, 301 

Fee for deposit of card in S, 300, 302, 303 

Fee for reinstatement in S. 304 

Disposition of funds S. 308, 309, 310 

Suicide — 

Does not release lodge from paying funeral benefit S. 262 

Sunday — 

Restrictions as to C. xi, 5 ; S. 374 

Supplies — • 

List of those to be obtained from S. K. R. S S. 61 

Penalties for obtaining illegally S. 62, 63, 64, 65, 66 

Prices to be fixed by committee on printing and supplies S. 67 

Supreme Assembly of Uniform Rank — 

Time and place of meetings S. 413 

Composition of S. 414 

Presiding officer of S. 414 

Who entitled to admission to S. 415 

Powers of S. 416 

Jurisdiction in appeals S. 417 

May provide revenue and control supplies S. 418 

Clerical and financial officer of S. 419 

Power to designate and define uniforms S. 420 

Mileage and per diem of members of S. 421 

Bonds of officers S. 422 



188 index. 

Supreme Chancellor — 

Eligibility C. vii, 2 ; viii, 2 

Executive officer of the Supreme government C. viii, i 

Custodian of bonds C. viii, 14 

Commander in chief of the Uniform Rank C. viii, 3 

Member of Supreme Assembly of Uniform Rank S. 414 

Member ex officio of Board of Control S. 318 

Chairman ex officio of committee on printing and supplies S. 73 

Vacancy in office of C. viii, 4; S. 80, 84, 85, 86 

Compensation of C. viii, 17 

Must call special convention of Supreme Lodge, when 

C. viii, 11; S. 1 

May change time or place of Supreme Lodge convention. . . .C. vii, 8 

Must assemble Supreme Council, when S. 5 

May appoint Deputy Supreme Chancellors C. viii, 9 

Must appoint standing committees S. 31 

Must appoint special committees, when S. 48 

Shall select and promulgate passwords C. viii, 15 ; S. 444, 445 

May abrogate and annul S. A. P. W S. 453 

May grant warrants and dispensations C. viii, 12, 13 ; S. 88 

May grant or refuse warrant for subordinate lodge S. 292 

Must enforce Supreme law C. viii, 6 

Must present report to Supreme Lodge C. viii, 10 

May require information from any member C viii, 7 

May fill vacancies in Supreme Lodge offices C. viii, 8 

Duties as to examination of constitution and laws S. 163, 164, 317 

Cognizance of offiences S. 522 

Impeachment of C. vii, 11, S. 455 to 470 

Former rulings repealed and annulled C. xv, 1 

Supreme Council, assembly of officers in — 

To be convened when S. 5, 84 

Time, place, quorum, secretary S. 6, 84 

Shall elect Supreme Chancellor and Supreme Vice Chancellor, 

when S. 84, 85 

Supreme Keeper of Records and Seal — 

Books and accounts to be examined quarterly S. 35 

Member ex officio of committee on printing and supplies S. 73 

Secretary ex officio of Supreme Council S. 6 

Bond of S. 8 

Duties of S. 9, 10, 11 

Compensation of S. 12 

Authority as to issuance of exchequer orders S. 72 

Shall assemble Supreme Lodge officers, when S. 84 

Shall install Supreme Lodge officers, when S. 86 

Control of rituals S. 431, 432, 434 

Supreme Lodge — 

Constitutes the legislative department C. vii, 1 

Officers C. vii, 2 ; xv, 3 

Conventions C. vii, 8; viii, 11 

Special conventions S. 1 

Quorum C. vii, 9 

Powers C. vii, 10 



INDEX. 189 

Supreme Lodge card — 

Application for and issuance of S. 305 

Not to be issued to member un ler charges , S. 238 

Issuance of, severs membership S. 234 

Offences committed by holder of S. 235 

Admission to membership by S. 236 

Duplicate S. 237 

Form of S. 307 

Valid until revoked, annulled or deposited S. 240 

May be revoked, annulled or deposited S. 242 

Fee for admission by S. 184, 278, 300, 303 

To be furnished only by S. K. R. S S. 241 

Supreme Lodge officers — 

Election of C. vii, 2 ; S. 3 

Installation of S. 4 

Trial and removal from office S. 472 to 484 

Supreme Master of Exchequer — 

Books and accounts to be examined quarterly S. 35 

Bond of S. 13 

Duties of S. 14, 15, 16, 17 

Compensation of • S. 18 

Supreme Representatives — 

Members of Supreme Lodge . . C. vii, 1, c 

Election or appointment C. vii, 3 ; S. 19 to 28 

Number for each grand lodge C. vii, 4; xv, 4; S. 21, 28 

Terms C. vii, 5 ; S. 25, 26 

Eligibility and restrictions C. vii, 6 

Form of credentials S. 29, 30 

Supreme Representative credentials — 

Form of S. 29, 30 

Time of filing S. 179 

Supreme Tribunal — 

Judicial department of Supreme government. C. ix, 1 ; xv, 5 

Composition, quorum, qualifications, commission C. ix, 2; S. 95 

Vacancy in membership _ C. ix, 10 

Compilation and publication of decisions S. 103 

Sittings of C. ix, 16; S. 108, 109, no 

Enforcement of judgments and decrees C. viii, 6; S. 112 to 122 

Power to enforce rules C. ix, 17 

Penalties for disobedience to S. 509, 510 

Original and exclusive jurisdiction.- C. ix, 13, a, b; S. 123 to 131 

Appellate jurisdiction S. 132 to 149 

To hear appeals and writs of error C. ix, 14 

Right of appeal to : C. 1X > X S 

Recorder and marshal of C. ix, 18; S. 100, 101 

Reporter of S. 102, 103 

Supreme Tribune — 

Restrictions as to appointment C. ix, 2, 6, 7 ; S. 95 

Term, nomination, confirmation C. ix, 5, 8 ; S. 104, 105 

Compensation C- lx > 9\ g. 1 1 1 

Obligation |- 9» 

Vacancy b. 106 

Forbidden to preside, when , C. ix, n 



190 INDEX. 

Supreme Tribune (continued) — 

Chief Tribune C. ix, 3 ; S. 95, 97 

Precedence of Associate Tribunes S. 96 

Appointment of special Tribune C. ix, 12 

[impeachment S. 455 to 471 

Supreme Vice Chancellor — 

Eligibility C. vii, 2 

Assumes duties of Supreme Chancellor, when.C. viii, 4; S. 80, 466, 470 

Special duties of S. 7 

Vacancy in office of C. viii, 5 ; S. 84, 85, 86 

Supreme Chancellor ad interim S. 81 

Supreme Chancellor pro tempore S. 82 

Musi appoint Supreme Vice Chancellor, when S. 83 

Member ex officio of Board of Control S. 318 

Member ex officio of committee on printing and supplies S. 73 

Suspended member — 

Not to be charged with dues S. 249, 252, 258 

Offences committed by S. 250, 253, 

Has no claim on the order S. 252 

Suspension "for cause"- — 

May be definite or indefinite S. 251 

Reinstatement of member under S. 254, 283, 284 

Suspension for non-payment of dues, etc. — 

Regulations concerning S. 248, 249 

Reinstatement of member under S. 255, 256, 257 

Suspensions — 

To be reported to Board of Control S. 202 

Team for rank work — 

May confer ranks, when S. 222 

Trade mark — 

Name, etc., of the order not to be used as S. 517 

Transfer card — 

Application for S. 224 

Issue of S. 225 

Form of S. 226 

Transfer of membership by S. 227, 228 

Rights of holder S. 229 

Dues to be collected from holder S. 244 

Fee for S. 230 

Fee for admission by S. 277, 302 

* How supplied S. 231 

Trial— 

Of me aber of Supreme Lodge S. 472 to 487 

Uniform Rank — 

Is a branch of the order C. iii, 2 

Supreme Chancellor commander in chief C. viii, 3 

Purpose C. xiii, 1 

Membership in C. xiii, 2 

Laws of, continued in force C. xv, 7 



INDEX. 191 

Uniform Rank (continued) — 

Organization S. 410 

Officers S. 411, 412 

Legislation for S. 416 

Revenue and supplies S. 418 

Companies not in brigade S. 427, 428, 429, 430 

Warrant of grand lodge — 

May be granted by Supreme Chancellor C. viii, 12 

Fee for S. 60 

Requisites as to petition for S. 150 

Form of S. 150 

Vacated by issue of charter S. 158 

Must be displayed S. 160 

Suspension or revocation of C. x, 16, 18 

Warrant of subordinate lodge — 

May be granted by Supreme Chancellor C. viii, 12 

Fee for S. 59 

Requisites as to petition for S. 264, 291 

Form of S. 265, 292 

Vacated by issue of charter S. 268 

Duplicate S. 269, 295 

Must be displayed S. 270 

Conditions as to surrender S. 271, 296 

Suspension or revocation of S. 273 

Restoration of S. 274, 297 

Wines, liquors, etc. — 

Prohibition as to use of S. 521 

Withdrawal card — 

Application for S. 232 

Issue of S. 233 

Not to be issued to member under charges S. 238 

Issuance of severs membership S. 234 

Offences committed by holder of S. 235 

Admission to membership by S. 236 

Fee for admission by S. 184, 278, 300, 303 

Duplicate S. 237 

Form of S. 239 

Valid until revoked, annulled or deposited S. 240 

May be revoked, annulled or deposited S. 242 

Dues to be collected from holder S. 244 

To be furnished only by S. K. R. S S. 241 



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